Cutaneous Metastasis from Lung Cancer: A Single-Institution Retrospective Analysis

Nodular scalp mass as the first presentation of pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: a case report

Metastasis of lung cancer to the skin is uncommon, presenting in 0.22% to 12% of lung cancer patients, and it is extremely rare for skin metastasis to be the first clinical manifestation of lung cancer. In the few cases where skin metastasis has been reported as the first sign of lung cancer, the patients were typically heavy smokers or had preexisting respiratory diseases and symptoms. This prompted clinicians to consider skin metastasis of a pulmonary malignancy. Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare type of lung cancer that accounts for approximately 3% of lung cancers. LCNEC mainly metastasizes to visceral organs, such as the liver, bone, and brain, and it only shows metastasis to the skin in very rare cases. Herein, we report an unusual case of a metastatic skin lesion as the first sign of primary pulmonary LCNEC, in a 63-year-old woman with no pulmonary symptoms or personal history of smoking or pulmonary disease.

Scalp Metastasis as an Initial Manifestation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: Case Report of an Extremely Rare Entity

Cutaneous metastasis of primary visceral neoplasm is an unusual phenomenon. However, cutaneous metastasis as an initial presentation of clinically silent visceral neoplasm is exceedingly rare. We are reporting a unique case of an elderly male patient who presented with a solitary scalp metastasis as an initial manifestation of underlying lung cancer. Further diagnostic evaluation revealed neoplastic primary lung disease. This case report emphasizes the importance of physicians being aware of these unusual clinical presentations of visceral malignancies. It is also critical to order appropriate diagnostic tests promptly to establish an accurate diagnosis and begin the proper treatment for a better prognosis. Skin lesions can be a diagnostic manifestation of lung cancer and predict a poor prognosis. We conclude that in patients with a history of smoking or lung cancer who present with cutaneous lesions, the possibility of skin metastasis of primary lung cancer should always be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Scalp metastasis as an initial presentation of lung adenocarcinoma : A case report and literature review

•

A careful skin examination can provide valuable clues to internal malignancy.

•

Solitary scalp metastasis as the first sign of an occult non-small-cell lung cancer is an extremely rare occurrence.

•

Despite its rarity, metastatic skin disease should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with a history of smoking or lung cancer presenting with cutaneous nodules.

•

Increased awareness of this rare entity is needed for early recognition and initiation of the appropriate treatment. Moreover, it helps in appropriate staging, altering therapy and a better estimation of prognosis.

•

We also conclude that a cutaneous metastases is the most common dermatological manifestation of lung cancer.

Introduction

Cutaneous metastasis from primary visceral malignancy is a relatively uncommon clinical entity, with a reported incidence of 0.22%–10% among various series. However, the presence of cutaneous metastasis as the first sign of a clinically silent visceral cancer is exceedingly rare.

Presentation of case

We describe here a case of an asymptomatic male patient who presented with a solitary scalp metastasis as the initial manifestation of an underlying lung cancer. Diagnostic evaluation revealed advanced disease.

Discussion

The report emphasizes that physicians should be aware of this rare clinical entity, and appropriate investigation should be arranged for early diagnosis and initiation of the appropriate treatment. The occurrence of skin lesions in lung cancer announces an ominous prognosis.

Conclusion

We conclude that the possibility of metastatic skin disease should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with a history of smoking or lung cancer presenting with cutaneous nodules.

Scalp metastasis as the first sign of small-cell lung cancer: management and literature review

Cutaneous metastasis from primary visceral malignancy is a relatively uncommon clinical entity, with a reported incidence ranging from 0.22% to 10% among various series. However, the presence of cutaneous metastasis as the first sign of a clinically silent visceral cancer is exceedingly rare. We describe here a case of an asymptomatic male patient who presented with a solitary scalp metastasis as the initial manifestation of an underlying small-cell lung cancer. Diagnostic evaluation revealed advanced disease. We conclude that the possibility of metastatic skin disease should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with a history of smoking or lung cancer presenting with cutaneous nodules. Physicians should be aware of this rare clinical entity, and appropriate investigation should be arranged for early diagnosis and initiation of the appropriate treatment. The prognosis for most patients remains poor.