Cases Journal


Open Access Case Report

Cutaneous metastases of breast carcinoma: a case report

Sergio Vano-Galvan1*, Paula Moreno-Martin2, Irene Salguero1 and Pedro Jaen1

Author Affiliations

1 Dermatology Service, Ramony Cajal Hospital, University of Alcala, Madrid, Spain

2 La Princesa University Hospital, Madrid, Spain

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Cases Journal 2009, 2:71 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-71

Published: 21 January 2009

Abstract

Background

Cutaneous metastases can have variable clinical appearances and can mimic benign skin lesions. They are usually seen in patients with advanced disease, but they can be the presenting lesion.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of progressive appearance of multiple asymptomatic nodular lesions on the chest. The recognition of cutaneous metastases often dramatically alters therapeutic plans, especially when metastases signify persistence of cancer originally thought to be cured. The most common tumor to metastasize to the skin is breast cancer.

Conclusion

Every practitioner should be highly suspicious of acute-onset, persistent, firm papulonodules, especially when they develop on the chest.