[Paraneoplastic Bazex acrokeratosis--disease course in palliative therapy of cancer of the base of the tongue].

A 62-year old quarryman developed distinct, erythematosquamous and keratotic lesions associated with subungual hyperkeratosis and nail detachment on all fingertips within 9 months. Subsequently, scaly erythema of the nose and of the auricles appeared. Clinically paraneoplastic acrokeratosis Bazex (APB) was diagnosed. Thorough endoscopic examination revealed an asymptomatic squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue, which had already metastasized to the regional lymph nodes. Impressive regression of most of the relevant skin symptoms occurred during combined neck dissection and radiotherapy. A survey of recent reports on APB in the literature is given.