Cutaneous malignancies mimicking herpes zoster

Cutaneous metastases occur in 2.5% to 5% of patients with malignant disease. The relative frequency of the primary site roughly parallels the frequency of the various malignancies in each sex. We present two cases of cutaneous malignancy occurring in a dermatomal distribution and masquerading as herpes zoster. The differential diagnosis of zosteriform eruptions is reviewed and the possible pathogenesis of metastatic disease in this cutaneous distribution is discussed. Skin biopsy is recommended in these cases to determine the etiology of the eruption.