Pemphigus foliaceus developing after metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to regional lymph nodes

Abstract We describe a patient in whom pemphigus foliaceus developed after cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) metastasized to regional lymph nodes. Immunologic analysis revealed that production of anti-desmoglein 1 autoantibodies started when SCC metastasized, and the SCC expressed desmoglein 1, suggesting a pathogenic role of metastasized SCC in developing pemphigus foliaceus. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:767-70.)