Acrometastasis in Breast Carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Skeletal Metastasis

Background:

• Bone metastasis is common in breast cancer patients.
• Metastasis to the appendicular skeleton, particularly distal limbs (acrometastasis), is rare.
• Acrometastasis in breast cancer warrants investigation for diffuse metastatic disease.

Observation:

• A patient with recurrent triple-negative metastatic breast cancer presented with thumb pain and swelling.
• Radiographs revealed soft tissue swelling and erosive bone changes in the first distal phalanx.
• Palliative radiation provided temporary symptom relief.

Findings:

• The thumb lesion was confirmed as metastatic breast adenocarcinoma.
• The patient ultimately succumbed to widespread metastatic disease.
• Autopsy confirmed the thumb lesion as metastatic breast cancer.

Implications:

• Metastatic breast carcinoma to the distal appendicular skeleton is a rare finding.
• This presentation can signify late-stage, disseminated breast cancer.
• Early recognition of acrometastasis is crucial for patient management.