Cutaneous metastases from solid neoplasms - Literature review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cutaneous metastases from solid tumors are uncommon clinical findings.
• While often diagnosed after a primary malignancy, skin metastasis precedes tumor identification in up to 33% of cases.
• Cutaneous involvement can be the initial sign of an occult malignancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic significance of cutaneous metastases.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing skin lesions as potential indicators of underlying solid tumors.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and prognostic implications of cutaneous metastases.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations of cutaneous metastases.
• Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis for diagnosis.
• Correlation with imaging studies and clinical surveillance for primary tumor identification.

Main Results:

• Cutaneous metastasis can be the first clinical manifestation of a solid tumor.
• Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings.
• Identification of the primary tumor site can be challenging, necessitating advanced diagnostic approaches.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous metastases, though rare, are diagnostically significant and can precede primary tumor detection.
• Prompt identification through clinical and pathological evaluation is crucial for initiating treatment.
• The presence of cutaneous metastasis generally indicates a poor prognosis, underscoring the need for thorough investigation and management.