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Review
. 2009 Jan;135(1):1-14.
doi: 10.1007/s00432-008-0432-0. Epub 2008 Jun 17.

Cutaneous metastases of visceral tumours: a review

Dorothée Nashan  1 , Marcel Lucas Müller, Markus Braun-Falco, Sebastian Reichenberger, Rolf-Markus Szeimies, Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
Affiliations
Review

Cutaneous metastases of visceral tumours: a review

Dorothée Nashan et al. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2009 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Up to 10% of all visceral malignancies develop cutaneous metastases. As cutaneous metastases are underestimated and underdiagnosed they can be a clinical challenge. The clinical appearance and patterns of distribution of cutaneous metastases, the characterisation of clinical outcomes and available therapeutic options are compiled.

Patients and methods: Literature (over the last 6 years) MESH in terms of cutaneous metastases was comprehensively evaluated. Characteristics from 92 available cases are elaborated and adjusted with terms (time unlimited) of published epidemiological reviews to single organs.

Results: The broad clinical spectrum with differential diagnoses is displayed. An allocation of cutaneous metastases and a particular organ is not reliable. In 22% of all cases cutaneous metastases can lead to the diagnosis of an internal malignoma. The majority of cases reveal cutaneous metastases to emerge in a tumour-free interval in about 36 months, after a successful treatment of the primary tumour, most commonly along with other organ metastases. Probable survival turned out to be less than 12 months. Consistently with this end-stage condition, treatment aligns with rules of palliation. Local treatment of choice is excision. Only a minority of investigators attempted to come up with tumour-specific treatment strategies, and almost no randomised therapy studies can be presented.

Conclusion: A reference guide of cutaneous metastases is given; the clinical spectrum is adjusted to an actual status; state of the art of the treatment is accomplished. An epidemiological, improved registration and diagnostic work-up for targeted therapies in conjunction with dermatologists are favoured.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Cutaneous metastasis of a colo-rectal cancer
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
On the scalp ulcerated metastasis and new developing tumour nodules from a colon cancer
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Disseminated spreading of cutaneous metastases of a breast cancer aggregating in tumour plaques with a lichenoid aspect of papules
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
An initial status of an erysipelas-like formation
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
“Cancer en cuirasse” of a breast cancer, with extension over the upper back
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Major localisations of cutaneous metastases of frequent visceral tumours
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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