Cutaneous Metastases in Internal Malignancies
Summary
Cutaneous metastases occur when malignant cells spread from an internal primary neoplasm to the skin, representing a late and often ominous sign of systemic disease. Although relatively uncommon—reported in approximately 0.7–9% of all cancer patients—these lesions can herald advanced or recurrent malignancy and may be the first indicator of an otherwise occult tumour. Breast and lung carcinomas account for the majority of cases in women and men respectively, followed by gastrointestinal, renal and melanoma primaries. Clinically, metastatic skin deposits vary from nodules and plaques to erysipeloid or zosteriform patterns, sometimes mimicking benign dermatoses. Pathophysiologically, dissemination occurs via lymphatic channels, haematogenous routes or direct extension, with certain anatomical sites—such as the scalp or surgical scars—predisposed by rich vascular or lymphatic networks. Accurate diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical examination, imaging and histopathological assessment, including immunohistochemical profiling to determine tissue of origin. The prognosis is generally poor, yet the emergence of molecular and immunotherapeutic strategies offers hope for tailored interventions. Interdisciplinary collaboration remains essential to improve early detection, guide management and ultimately enhance patient outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.
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Cutaneous Metastases in Internal Malignancies publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cutaneous metastases in internal malignancies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Cutaneous metastasis: Secondary tumour deposits in the skin arising from an internal malignancy.
Immunohistochemistry: Laboratory technique using antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissue sections.
Dermoscopy: Non-invasive skin imaging method that uses magnification and light to reveal subsurface structures.
Adenocarcinoma: Cancer originating in glandular epithelial tissue, common in organs such as the stomach and breast.
References
- Case report: A case of advanced gastric cancer with multiple skin metastases, with significant relief from immunotherapy. Frontiers in Immunology (2024).
- Diagnosis and Management of Scalp Metastases: A Review. Diagnostics (2024).
- Cutaneous Metastasis in Breast Cancer: A Case Series. Cureus (2023).
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