Cutaneous Metastasis in Breast Cancer: A Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant disease in females and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Its treatment plan includes a long-term follow-up and close surveillance, as recurrence is a well-acknowledged concern. BC can recur either locally or as a metastasis, and skin metastasis is a common complication in advanced breast cancer patients. It can present as a skin nodule, plaque, or erythematous lesion, and can be difficult to distinguish from benign skin conditions. The risk of skin metastasis is higher in patients with inflammatory BC. Treatment of such a complex condition is even more challenging, with poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of a 42-year-old woman with stage 4 luminal A BC who had soft tissue recurrence. CASE REPORT A 42-year-old woman with a history of left-sided BC diagnosed and treated 10 years ago presented with multiple soft tissue masses mimicking abscesses at the right lower middle of the back, bilateral thighs, and back of the neck, in the last 6 months, the largest measuring 8×10 cm. The masses were found to be metastatic BC that had spread to the skin and lungs. Because it was invasive ductal carcinoma with positive ER and PR receptors, she was started on hormonal treatment and chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS This case report highlights the importance of follow-up in patients with a history of BC, as the cancer can recur and spread many years after treatment.

Figure 1.

Sagittal CT posterior neck, showing partially visualized subcutaneous paraspinal thick rim enhancing fluid density collection (white arrow).

Figure 2.

Coronal CT posterior neck, showing soft tissue mass with multiple internal fluid densities/necrosis and peripheral thick irregular enhancement (white arrow), abutting the trapezius muscle with no clear muscle invasion.

Figure 3.

Axial CT abdomen showing a subcutaneous right paramedian posterior lower chest and upper abdominal wall mass (white arrow), with thick enhancing wall, central necrosis, and overlying skin thickening.

Figure 4.

Sagittal CT abdomen showing a subcutaneous right paramedian posterior lower chest and upper abdominal wall mass (white arrow), with thick enhancing wall and central necrosis.