Scalp metastasis as an initial presentation of lung adenocarcinoma : A case report and literature review.
Int J Surg Case Rep 2017;
41:327-331. [PMID:
29136605 PMCID:
PMC5683037 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.10.060]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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