Prevalence and Clinicopathological Features of Cutaneous Metastasis from Lung Cancer in Korea

Chang, Sung Eun; Choi, Jung Chul; Choi, Jee Ho; Sung, Kyung Jeh; Moon, Kee Chan; Koh, Jai Kyoung

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous metastasis from lung cancer is rarely seen in dermatologic clinics although the lung is the most common source of cutaneous metastasis in men. There is much variation of the prevalence of lung cancer and its cutaneous metastasis among different countries and with time.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to study prevalence, relative frequency of pathological subtypes and clinical features of cutaneous metastasis from lung cancer in Korea.
METHODS
We utilized a computer system in order to analyze the incidence of cutaneous metastasis from lung cancer during the 10-year period from 1990 to 1999 in Asan Medical Center. Clinical records, clinical photographs, and biopsy slides of the biopsy-proven cases were reviewed.
RESULTS
1.Of the 4635 patients with lung cancer, 2954(63.7%) had metastatic diseases and 83(1.8%) had skin metastasis. Of the 2954 metastatic diseases, skin metastasis was only 2.8%. Of the total 83 patients, male to female sex ratio was 3.9:1. 2.Of the 33 proven cases by dermatologists, 8(24%) contributed to detect hidden primary lung cancer. While 23(69.7%) cases had other internal metastasis, detection of skin metastasis preceded other metastasis in 30.4%. 3.Most frequently the chest was involved, followed by the scalp. 4.Of the pathologically-proven 55 cases, 23 cases showed adenocarcinomas, 20 cases squamous cell carcinomas, 8 cases small cell carcinomas, 3 cases large cell carcinomas, and 1 case undifferentiated carcinoma.
CONCLUSION
Although skin metastasis from lung cancer is less common than other organs, diagnosis of skin metastasis is important since it can manifest as a presenting sign of internal malignancy and an early indicator of metastasis.