Metastatic Cutaneous Breast Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Cutaneous metastatic carcinoma, also known as carcinoma erysipeloides, is an unusual clinical finding. In women, it is most frequently found in association with breast cancer rather than other visceral malignancies. Breast cancer patients can present with cutaneous manifestations of breast disease at the time of their initial diagnosis; however, cutaneous metastases more often present well after the initial diagnosis and treatment of the breast disease. Prompt recognition of skin metastases by the plastic surgeon, especially during the delayed setting of reconstructive surgery following mastectomy, allows for earlier intervention in treating the systemic spread of the disease. A clinical case of carcinoma erysipeloides presenting in this delayed setting is outlined in the present report, along with a review of the literature.

Cutaneous Metastasis of Breast Carcinoma: A Rare Presentation

“…In a breast cancer patient, other possible etiologies besides cutaneous metastasis includes cutaneous change, either acute or chronic-secondary to radiation therapy or other infectious processes such as erysipelas, cellulitis or candidiasis. [6] En cuirasse metastatic carcinoma begin as scattered, firm lenticular papulonodules over an erythematous or smooth cutaneous surface. The nodules have no inflammatory changes.…”

Carcinoma erysipeloides mimicking radiation dermatitis – a case report and review of literature

“…CE was first described in 1924 by Lee and was named so by Rasch in 1931 because of its similarity to erysipelas [2]. It is a relatively rare variant of cutaneous metastasis (2-3%).…”

“…Cutaneous metastatic carcinoma is an unusual clinical diagnosis with an overall incidence varying from 0.7% to 10% [2]. In women, it occurs most commonly in breast cancer in contrast to men, where it occurs most often in melanoma [3].…”

“…www.odermatol.com In a retrospective study, various morphological patterns of cutaneous metastasis from breast carcinoma have been described like nodules/papules (80%), carcinoma telengiectoides (11%), carcinoma erysipeloides (3%), encuirasse carcinomas (3%), alopecia neoplastica (2%) and zosteriform (0.8%) [2]. CE was first described in 1924 by Lee and was named so by Rasch in 1931 because of its similarity to erysipelas [2].…”

Activity of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in combination with gemcitabine in triple negative breast cancer with skin involvement

“…The most frequent presentations are papules and/or nodules (80%), followed by teleangiectatic carcinoma (11.2%), erysipeloid carcinoma (3%), "en cuirasse" carcinoma (fibrotic-type cutaneous metastatic spread to the trunk described as an "encasement of armor") (3%), alopecia neoplastica (2%) and zosteriform pattern (0.8%). 21 The anterior part of the chest and the previous mastectomy scare are the most common site of cutaneous breast cancer involvement. Additional common areas are head, neck, scalp, abdomen and upper extremities.…”