A benign-looking subcutaneous metastasis from squamous cell cervical carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2000 Nov;10(6):503-506. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1438.2000.00045.x.

Abstract

A 30-year-old woman with a stage IIIB grade 3 squamous cell cervical carcinoma and pelvic lymph node metastases was treated with external beam radiotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy. One month after the completion of the treatment, a rubbery, movable, and painless mass appeared in the lower third and outer aspect of her right thigh. The overlying epidermis was intact. The whole clinical picture and CT scan image indicated a benign tumor. Biopsy revealed a nonkeratinizing, grade 2-3, squamous cell carcinoma similar to the primary cervical tumor. She then received six cycles of chemotherapy (cis-platinum and 5-fluorouracil) with transient partial response. The patient died one year after the diagnosis of the disease. This is the 29th case of cutaneous metastasis from a cervical carcinoma, the seventh localized on the leg, but the first solitary one with a benign-looking appearance reported since 1855. The possible mechanism of this rare metastasis is debated and the literature is reviewed.