Multiple cutaneous metastases in laryngeal carcinoma: A rare occurrence

Abstract

Metastasis to the skin in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is an extremely rare occurrence. We report a case of multiple cutaneous metastases in the follow-up of a 60-year-old male with squamous carcinoma of the vocal cords that were treated with surgery and radiotherapy. The patient presented with multiple painful skin nodules at 3 months following the completion of treatment. Clinically the skin nodules mimicked an inflammatory skin lesion. The diagnosis of metastatic skin lesions was made by cytological examination. Appearance of new painful skin lesions soon after the completion of treatment in patients treated for squamous carcinoma of the larynx should warrant a clinical suspicion of cutaneous metastases.

Skin metastasis within radiation field in treated squamous cell carcinoma of larynx

“…20 They have been reported to occur at different sites all throughout the body such as head, neck, thorax, upper extremities, abdomen, buttock, and lower extremities. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]21 (Table 1) elaborates on sites of metastasis, treatments offered and outcomes in patients with skin metastasis in treated cases of SCC larynx. Treatment options such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and excision of skin lesions were considered.…”

“…Treatment options such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and excision of skin lesions were considered. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Treatment intent was mainly palliation and was often aimed at providing symptomatic relief. The prognosis after development of cutaneous metastasis is poor.…”

“…3 That too, metastasis to skin in a treated case of SCC of the larynx is extremely rare. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] It generally denotes impending distant metastatic spread or locoregional recurrence, and poor prognosis. On review of literature, there were only few reports of cutaneous metastasis in treated SCC of larynx and limited information on potential treatment options.…”