부산대학교 도서관

5-Fluorouracil is a drug that is used to treat certain types of cancer and premalignant skin conditions. However, like most drugs that are used to treat cancer, 5-fluorouracil has many side effects. It causes nausea and weight loss, as well as dry skin, hair loss and thinning of the nails. In addition, 5-fluorouracil can be toxic to the heart and nerves. There have been several reports of skin reactions to this agent, including dermatitis, lesions on the palms and forehead, and increased sensitivity to the sun. Then latter condition causes the skin to change color, or develop hyperpigmentation, after brief periods of exposure to sunlight. The case of a 69-year-old man who developed hyperpigmentation of the skin following treatment with 5-fluorouracil is described. The patient was being treated for cancer of the rectum. He was treated with 5-fluorouracil and radiation therapy for five days. One day later, the patient's face became tender to the touch, and he developed ulcers in his mouth. Long brown streaks appeared on the patient's back and buttocks. He had ulcers on his lips, face, forehead, and chest, and his forearms became red and crusted. Radiation therapy was continued as scheduled, but the dose of 5-fluorouracil was reduced by 33 percent. The skin lesions healed and did not recur, suggesting that hyperpigmentation was the result of the chemotherapeutic agent. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)