R P Hanson1, B Kneafsey, D Royston. 1. Dept of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dept of Histopathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. rhanson@eircom.net
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cutaneous metastatic disease is not unusual but it may mimic inflammatory lesions. The growth pattern of skin metastases is unpredictable and may differ from that of the primary tumour. Skin metastases may present as rapidly growing, solitary sessile or polypoid vascular nodules that ulcerate or bleed. AIM: To investigate the presenting complaints, surgical treatment and outcome of patients with cutaneous metastatic disease. METHODS: We present three cases of metastatic skin cancer recently seen in our Department and review the clinical and pathological findings. RESULTS: The finding of metastatic skin cancer is associated with a very poor prognosis and suggests widespread disease dissemination. CONCLUSION: The paper emphasizes the importance of excisional biopsy and accurate tissue diagnosis of skin nodules.
BACKGROUND:Cutaneous metastatic disease is not unusual but it may mimic inflammatory lesions. The growth pattern of skin metastases is unpredictable and may differ from that of the primary tumour. Skin metastases may present as rapidly growing, solitary sessile or polypoid vascular nodules that ulcerate or bleed. AIM: To investigate the presenting complaints, surgical treatment and outcome of patients with cutaneous metastatic disease. METHODS: We present three cases of metastatic skin cancer recently seen in our Department and review the clinical and pathological findings. RESULTS: The finding of metastatic skin cancer is associated with a very poor prognosis and suggests widespread disease dissemination. CONCLUSION: The paper emphasizes the importance of excisional biopsy and accurate tissue diagnosis of skin nodules.