FNAC of cutaneous metastatic nodules; a clinicopathologic study with review of literature

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous metastasis (CM) from an underlying carcinoma is not an uncommon event. The incidence epidemiology and prognosis of these patients is poorly known. Aims: This study attempts to find out, the prevalence of metastasis in cutaneous nodules. The associated clinical features, the age, sex distribution of these patients, and distribution of primary lesions in patients presenting with CM are to be sought. Methods: In this study 381 patients with cutaneous nodules referred mostly from different OPD’s underwent FNAC in our clinic. FNAC was done by standard methods using 18-22 gauze needle, and slides stained by Romanowsky, PAP, or H& E alone or in combination. All relevant clinicopathological data were collected during FNAC. Results: Out of 381 patients, 16 were found to be suffering from CM. Carcinoma of breast, ovary, lung, colon were the most common offenders. No definite age and sex predilection was noted in this study. CM may also be the presenting sign of the disease. It was found that CM usually implies very poor prognosis. Conclusion: As CM is not a very uncommon event, and it carries a poor prognosis, a high index of suspicion is to be maintained among clinicians and pathologists to diagnose this condition earliest.

Keywords

• Metastases
• cutaneous
• nodule