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Cutaneous metastases from genitourinary malignancies
Thomas J Mueller1, Hong Wu, Richard E Greenberg
1Department of Urological Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA.
Urology
|June 9, 2004
Summary
Cutaneous metastases from genitourinary cancers are rare, appearing in about 1% of advanced cases. Renal tumors most frequently spread to the skin, often mimicking common dermatologic conditions and indicating a poor prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Urology
Background:
- Cutaneous metastases from visceral malignancies are uncommon.
- Recognition of skin spread from genitourinary (GU) cancers is poor among urologists.
- This study reviews literature and institutional data on GU cutaneous metastases.
Observation:
- A literature review identified 2,369 cases of cutaneous metastases from visceral malignancies (2.9% incidence).
- Urologic primary tumors accounted for 116 cases (1.3% incidence).
- Renal, bladder, and prostate cancers were the most common GU sources.
Findings:
- Cutaneous metastases from urologic tumors occurred in 1.3% of patients with advanced disease.
- The incidence varied by primary site: kidney (3.4%), bladder (0.84%), prostate (0.36%), and testes (0.4%).
- Metastases often presented as infiltrated plaques or nodules, mimicking benign skin conditions.
Implications:
- Cutaneous metastases from urologic malignancies are rare but indicate advanced disease and a poor prognosis.
- Early recognition requires a high index of suspicion and prompt skin biopsy for diagnosis.
- Understanding these patterns aids in patient management and diagnosis.