To evaluate the risk of overall cancer and subgroups of cancer in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) compared with matched controls from the general population.
Key Findings:
Patients with HS had a significantly elevated overall cancer risk (p < 0.05).
Increased risks were noted for gastrointestinal, head and neck, hematological, and respiratory cancers.
Elevated risks for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were also observed.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest a strong association between HS and various cancer types, potentially linked to chronic inflammation and associated comorbidities such as obesity and smoking.
Limitations:
Inconsistencies in study results and potential confounding factors not fully adjusted for.
Need for more studies adjusting for smoking, BMI, and alcohol intake.
Potential for publication bias in the included studies.
Conclusion:
The meta-analysis highlights a significant cancer risk in HS patients, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms, the role of comorbidities, and specific cancer types that may be most affected.
