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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Quantitation of Intra-peritoneal Ovarian Cancer Metastasis
Published on: July 18, 2016
Skin metastasis in ovarian carcinoma
Z Yilmaz1, T Bese, F Demirkiran
1Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of ovarian cancer (serous papillary adenocarcinoma) spreading to the skin (cutaneous metastasis). Such skin metastasis in ovarian cancer is exceptionally uncommon, presenting unique diagnostic and management challenges.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer, specifically serous papillary adenocarcinoma, can metastasize to distant sites.
- Pleural metastasis is a known, albeit less common, presentation of advanced ovarian cancer.
- Cutaneous metastasis from ovarian cancer is exceedingly rare, with limited documented cases.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman with a history of ovarian cancer developed skin lesions.
- The lesions, characterized by erythematous nodules and a cellulitis-like syndrome on the lower abdominal wall and upper leg, were biopsied.
- Skin biopsy confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma in the dermis.
Findings:
- The patient initially presented with pleural metastasis of ovarian adenocarcinoma and achieved 2 years of disease-free survival post-treatment.
- Recurrence manifested as cutaneous metastasis, a phenomenon not previously observed in the reporting unit's 20-year experience.
- The patient succumbed to the disease 4 months after the diagnosis of skin metastasis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare metastatic patterns in ovarian cancer recurrence.
- Cutaneous metastasis, though infrequent, can occur and may indicate a poor prognosis.
- Further research into the mechanisms and clinical significance of cutaneous metastasis in ovarian cancer is warranted.
