Cutaneous metastasis of epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx: a case report

Abstract

The frequency of distant metastasis of epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx is between 6.5-7.2%. The common sites of metastasis are lung, liver and bone. Cutaneous metastasis is very rare. A 56-year-old male with locally advanced larynx carcinoma who received curative radiochemotheraphy a year ago was presented to our department with subcutaneous nodular lesions, and fatigue. Physical examination revealed 0.5 cm sized, and 1x1cm sized subcutaneous nodular lesions in the right arm, and in the parasternal area, respectively. Histopathologic examination confirmed the skin metastasis of epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx. The patient has profound anemia, hypercalcemia, hypernatremia, and hyperglicemia with complicated diabetic foot. Although the symptomatic treatment began immediately, the patient died on the third day of hospitalisation. Cutaneous metastasis may be the first sign of local failure, of distant metastasis, or even of the undetected laryngeal carcinoma with poor prognosis.