Cutaneous metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma in zosteriform distribution

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Transplantation Immunology

Background:

• Patients undergoing renal transplantation often require long-term immunosuppression.
• Immunosuppression is a known risk factor for various malignancies, particularly skin cancers.
• A history of premalignant and malignant skin tumors increases the risk of further skin cancer development.

Observation:

• A renal transplant recipient with a history of multiple skin tumors presented with a unique cutaneous metastasis.
• The metastasis exhibited a zosteriform distribution on the right arm and chest.
• This specific metastatic pattern has not been previously documented in the English literature.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with cutaneous metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma.
• The zosteriform distribution of the metastasis is highly unusual for squamous-cell carcinoma.
• This presentation underscores the aggressive potential of skin cancers in immunosuppressed patients.

Implications:

• Frequent dermatological surveillance is crucial for renal transplant recipients, especially those with a history of skin cancer.
• Aggressive treatment strategies should be considered for metastatic skin cancers in this high-risk population.
• This case contributes to the understanding of rare metastatic patterns of squamous-cell carcinoma in immunocompromised individuals.