The onset of shingles may precede a diagnosis of cancer (colon, prostate, breast, etc). In general it is not recommended to perform an extensive workup in an older patient with shingles since the yield is low.
The patient should have a routine medical evaluation and be monitored for physiologic changes at periodic intervals.
Indications for a more extensive evaluation include:
(1) recurrent shingles (not explained by current conditions or therapy)
(2) extensive shingles (not explained by current conditions or therapy)
(3) weight loss, night sweats or other manifestations of cancer
(4) suspicious findings on a physical exam
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