Cutaneous Metastasis: A Rare Presentation of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Cureus. 2024 Sep 19;16(9):e69767. doi: 10.7759/cureus.69767. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Pancreatic adenocarcinomas are highly malignant tumors. The liver, peritoneum, and, very rarely, the skin are the sites of pancreatic metastases. Cutaneous metastasis is rare, with scalp metastasis being seldomly found. We report the case of an elderly woman who initially presented with ulcerated scalp swellings. The immunohistochemistry analysis of the swollen scalp confirmed the presence of a far-metastasized adenocarcinoma. Imaging of the abdomen performed due to increasing cholestatic jaundice revealed adenocarcinoma located at the head of the pancreas. Cholestatic jaundice was treated by trans-biliary percutaneous drainage. She is currently on a chemotherapy regimen. The patient had a follow-up appointment one month ago for the fourth cycle of gemcitabine and paclitaxel and will continue to follow up until eight cycles of chemotherapy sessions. Cutaneous metastases resulting from pancreatic cancer are a rare occurrence and may occasionally present as the only visible symptom; therefore, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions.

Keywords: adenocarcinoma; gastroenterology; general surgery; pathophysiology; route; tumor markers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports