Dermal metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A rare form of metastasis
https://doi.org/10.32412/pjohns.v26i1.607
- Author:
Johanna Patricia A. Cañal
1
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology College of Medicine - Philippine General Hospital University of the Philippines Manila
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Dermal metastasis
- MeSH:
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
- From:
Philippine Journal of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
2011;26(1):42-45
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:To report a rare form of metastasis from a primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a creeping form of dermal metastasis.
Methods:Design: Case Report
Setting: Tertiary Public University Hospital
Patient: One
Results:A 47-year-old male referred for radiotherapy after having undergone a selective neck dissection for multiple cervical lymphadenopathy with histopathologic diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma and no known primary underwent a four-quadrant nasopharyngeal biopsy which confirmed the presence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Subsequent radiotherapy resolved the primary mass , and a new posterior cervical lymph node that appeared five months after completion of radiotherapy also resolved with additional radiotherapy. He was asymptomatic for two years until he noted thickening of the skin in his left supraclavicular area. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed deep cervical adenopathy and skin thickening, and biopsy confirmed dermal metastatic carcinoma. Two courses of radiotherapy to the affected skin and left axilla where a lymph node had developed resulted in resolution and he was referred for chemotherapy.
Conclusion:Dermal metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma is rare and does not present with pathognomonic symptomatology. It may therefore be confused for a benign side effect (dermatitis), not the malignant manifestation that forebodes a bad prognosis. Patients with dermal metastasis should receive treatment, and radiotherapy may play a significant part. Chemotherapy may also play a role in its management.
- Full text:18pjohns.pdf
