Cutaneous metastasis from visceral malignancy: A rare presentation

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cutaneous metastasis is an uncommon manifestation of visceral malignancy.
• It serves as a grave prognostic indicator.
• Rarely, it can be the initial presentation of an occult internal malignancy.

Observation:

• Two cases of gallbladder carcinoma presented with isolated skin nodules.
• The nodules were the first clinical sign of the underlying malignancy.
• These skin lesions were investigated using fine needle aspiration cytology.

Findings:

• Fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma in the skin nodules.
• Cytological analysis was crucial in identifying the primary gallbladder carcinoma.
• The findings underscore the diagnostic utility of skin biopsies in suspected visceral malignancies.

Implications:

• Skin nodules can be an early indicator of gallbladder cancer.
• Fine needle aspiration cytology is a valuable tool for diagnosing cutaneous metastases.
• This presentation emphasizes the importance of considering visceral origins for unexplained skin lesions.