Skin metastases from lung cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cutaneous metastases from lung cancer are uncommon but clinically significant.
• They can manifest as diverse skin lesions and may precede or coincide with primary lung cancer diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the incidence, clinical presentation, histological features, diagnostic markers, and management of cutaneous metastases from lung cancer.
• To highlight prognostic indicators and survival outcomes associated with this condition.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on lung cancer with cutaneous involvement.
• Analysis of clinical and histological characteristics of skin metastases.
• Evaluation of immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• Cutaneous metastases occur in 1-12% of lung cancer patients, with lesions appearing before or with the primary diagnosis in 20-60% of cases.
• Lesions are variable (nodular, mobile/fixed, single/multiple) and histologically often moderately/poorly differentiated.
• Immunohistochemistry markers like TTF, CK7/20 can aid diagnosis. Treatment varies from surgery for solitary lesions to chemotherapy for multiple or advanced disease.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous metastases from lung cancer, while rare, require prompt recognition and diagnosis.
• Prognosis is generally poor, especially with advanced disease, multiple metastases, or small-cell lung cancer.
• Management strategies depend on the extent of metastasis, with chemotherapy being primary for widespread disease.