Overall cancer mortality risk was higher in patients with severe psoriasis.

Psoriasis may increase the risk for certain cancers, according to a review of 58 studies published in JAMA Dermatology. 

Moreover, the risk of dying from certain site-specific cancers was elevated in those with severe psoriasis.

Specifically, severe psoriasis and all severities of psoriasis were associated with an increased risk of cancer overall as well as colon, colorectal, kidney, laryngeal, liver, lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, keratinocyte cancers, esophageal, oral cavity and pancreatic cancers, the study showed.

Overall cancer mortality risk was higher in patients with severe psoriasis as was mortality for liver, esophageal and pancreatic cancer mortality.

Exactly how psoriasis may increase these risks is not fully understood yet.

“Future research examining specific lifestyle factors, treatments, and the inflammatory processes that contribute to psoriasis may help provide additional information on the underlying mechanisms for the apparent increased cancer risk,” the researchers concluded.