Isolated Humeral Metastasis Developing 3 Years After Primary Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix: An Unusual Presentation

Abstract

Background: Skeletal metastasis arising from carcinoma of the cervix occurs mainly in vertebrates. Although the incidence of skeletal metastasis in carcinoma of the cervix is 0.8%-23%, metastasis to long bones, such as the humerus, is rare. Metastasis to bone is commonly associated with advanced cancer stage and poor control of the primary disease. Case: Proximal humeral metastasis occurred in a 32-year-old female with stage IIIB carcinoma of the cervix. This patient had completed radiation therapy treatment, resulting in controlled primary disease. She then presented with swelling and pain in her right upper arm. A pathologic fracture was noted on an X-ray of the area. Further testing revealed that she had humeral-bone metastasis of her original cancer. Segmental resection of humerus was done and a K nail spacer was inserted. Results: The patient's posoperative course was uneventful. As of this writing, she has been receiving chemoradiation and is still being followed-up. Conclusions: Patients with carcinoma of the cervix must be evaluated for the possibility of metastasis when bone pain or pathologic fractures are present. ( J GYNECOL SURG 31:29)