A skin marker for geriatric cancer.

Dermatomyositis must be differentiated from a number of other diseases, including lupus erythematosus, myxedema, and contact dermatitis. Mixed connective-tissue disease also may be seen as a proximal myopathy and has similar skin findings. Satisfactory treatment of the underlying malignancy often results in disappearance or easier control of the dermatomyositis. The initial treatment step, however, is high-dose corticosteroids combined with oral immunosuppressives to control muscular and cutaneous inflammation.