A case report of cutanenous metastasis in locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer

Abstract

Cutaneous metastasis from head and neck cancers are uncommon, accounting for less than 1% for distant metastasis in head and neck cancers. It can be single and discrete or it may present as multiple lesions at different anatomic sites. There is a correlation between the frequency of cutaneous metastasis and the type and prevalence of primary cancer. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are aggressive tumors with metastasis occurring in up to 15-20% cases. However, they rarely metastasize to skin and the reported incidence is about 0.8-1.3%. Very few cases of distant cutaneous head and neck SCC (HNSCC) metastases have been described and are usually multiple. Underreporting is likely in cases of simultaneous occurrence with lung, bone and brain metastases. Cutaneous distant metastases signify a poor prognosis and 1-year survival is 0%.