When itching signals more: A case of chronic pruritus leading to cancer diagnosis
Background: Pruritus is a common complaint seen by emergency medicine physicians and carries a broad differential encompassing dermatologic, systemic, neurologic, and psychogenic etiologies. Case report: A 16-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with two months of pruritus and rash. P...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | JEM Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773232025000276 |
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| Summary: | Background: Pruritus is a common complaint seen by emergency medicine physicians and carries a broad differential encompassing dermatologic, systemic, neurologic, and psychogenic etiologies. Case report: A 16-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with two months of pruritus and rash. Prior diagnoses for her symptoms included atopic dermatitis, medication-induced tactile hallucinations, and scabies. Physical examination in the emergency department was notable for a firm supraclavicular lymph node and laboratory studies were notable for systemic inflammation. Biopsy revealed a new diagnosis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Why should an emergency physician be aware of this?: Recognition of refractory chronic pruritus by frontline providers as a presenting symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma can prevent diagnostic delay. |
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| ISSN: | 2773-2320 |