Clinicopathological Profile of Cutaneous Metastasis from Internal Malignancies: A Five Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous metastasis is the infiltration of skin by malignant cells from an underlying internal malignancy. Aim: To analyse clinicopathological profile of patients with cutaneous metastasis from internal malignancies. Materials and Methods: This was a five year retrospective study that included patients diagnosed with cutaneous metastasis from internal malignancies during the period January 2010 to December 2014. Information pertaining to patient demographics and disease details including site and type of previously diagnosed malignancy were noted. Results: Eighteen patients with cutaneous metastasis were identified. Cutaneous metastasis was the presenting feature in six patients, in others it occurred in previously diagnosed cases of malignancy after a mean duration of 25 months. Patients presented with painless cutaneous nodules in 10 (55.56%), ulcerated nodules in six (33.33%), painful nodules and indurated plaques in one (5.56%) each. Most common site of involvement was anterior abdominal wall. Most common histological subtype of metastatic carcinoma was adenocarcinoma, followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Cutaneous metastases are relatively uncommon, but it is important to recognise them. They may occasionally be the first manifestation of an underlying malignancy. The prognosis is usually poor in patients with cutaneous metastases, although early recognition offers some chance of survival.

Keywords

• carcinoma
• metastatic
• skin