Can psoriasis turn into cancer?

A study published in October 2019 in the journal JAMA Dermatology asserts that psoriasis increases the risk of developing cancer. The researchers found that the cancer risk rate for individuals with psoriasis is 1.18 times higher than that of healthy individuals. However, this risk can vary depending on the severity of the psoriasis. People with severe psoriasis have a 1.22 times higher risk of developing cancer compared to a population without psoriasis. On the other hand, no significant increase in cancer mortality risk was observed regardless of the severity of psoriasis. The main types of cancer developed include kidney cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, oesophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Moreover, a severe form of skin cancer can appear, such as lymphoma or melanoma. In addition, the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma is twice as high as the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.

The cause of cancer development in a psoriasis patient is often associated with the treatment of the disease. This has an impact on the immune system, particularly the use of immunomodulators. They can increase the risk of cancer due to their mechanism of action which weakens the immune system. This results in a decrease in the body's ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells, promoting their multiplication. The treatment of psoriasis by phototherapy increases the risk of developing a squamous cell carcinoma or a basal cell carcinoma. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, particularly UVB rays, can damage the DNA of skin cells. When this is damaged, it can lead to genetic mutations which, in some cases, can lead to the development of cancer cells.

Note : This research is based on a collection of studies that were conducted independently and in different ways, accounting for the disparity in some of their results. Further studies are necessary to draw comprehensive conclusions about the link between psoriasis and the development of cancer.