Background: Cutaneous metastases (CMs) from carcinoma are relatively uncommon, being usually late events in the course of internal malignancies. CMs from internal tumors seen at a secondary dermatological centre in Tunis are reported.
Methods: A retrospective review of the available clinical records and histological material of all patients with CMs from internal malignancies was performed over a 14-year period.
Results: Fourteen cases of CMs were recorded: 8 males and 6 females. The age range was 53 to 96 years, with a mean of 63.5 years for males and 76.5 years for females. CMs represented the first indication of an internal malignancy in 64% of cases. Firm solitary or multiple nodules were the most relevant clinical presentation (93%). Preferred sites were the thorax (50%), the abdomen (29%), and the head and neck region (21%). The common sites of primary malignancy were the lungs (38%) in males and breast (33%) in females. Four out of 14 patients died within a short follow-up period (mean 9.5 months).
Discussion: CMs are relatively rare in patients with internal cancers, but they may be a presenting sign of such cancers.