Distant Cutaneous Metastasis Of Endometrial Carcinoma - Unusual Presentation

Abstract

Metastases to the skin from internal carcinoma are relatively rare and cutaneous metastasis from endometrial adenocarcinoma is rarer with poor prognosis. In the reported cases, metastasis from endometrial cancer has been most commonly noted at the site of initial surgery and radiotherapy. More rarely, distant cutaneous sites, including scalp, toes and trunk have been reported. We report a case of unusual presentation of distant cutaneous metastasis of endometrial adenocarcinoma to left anterior shoulder diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). FNAC can be used rather than biopsy in such patients with cutaneous involvement at terminal stage.

From endometrium to fingernail bed: histological evaluation of a rare cutaneous metastasis

“…Endometrial carcinoma typically follows a predictable metastatic pattern, with the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes being common sites of metastasis 5. The spread of endometrial cancer to the finger may have occurred through either lymphatic spread or haematogenous spread.…”

“…Beginning in the endometrium, the cancer cells can invade the myometrium to come into contact with blood vessels and lymphatics. The cells can then enter the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes through the lymphatic system 5. From the lymph nodes or directly from the primary tumour, cancer cells can intravasate into the blood vessels.…”