Korean J Dermatol.  2021 Feb;59(2):140-143.

Cutaneous Metastasis of Breast Cancer Showing Diffuse Purpuric Macules and Patches

• Kim HW
• Kim WO
• Ryoo YW
• Kim SA

Abstract

Cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases from the neoplasm of visceral organs are uncommon and have been estimated to occur in only 0.7%∼9% of patients. Among these cases, breast cancer is the most frequently observed malignancy. The incidence of cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer is 23.9%. The most common clinical manifestation of cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer is non-fixed painless erythematous nodules on the anterior chest. However, cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer shows a wide range of clinical manifestations and can mimic benign dermatologic lesions such as erythema annulare centrifugum, contact dermatitis, cellulitis, and erysipelas. We report a 52-year-old woman who presented with diffuse purpuric macules and patches on the right trunk. Finally, based on the clinical and pathologic findings, a diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer was made, and the patient expired 1 year later.

Keyword

Breast cancer; Cutaneous metastasis