Alopecia neoplastica: An uncommon presentation of metastatic breast carcinoma

Journal Title: Journal of Surgical Dermatology - Year 2017, Vol 2, Issue 1

Abstract

Cutaneous metastasis may correspond to the initial clinical presentation of hidden internal malignancies. In patients presenting said neoplasia, clinical manifestations of breast cancer reaches 23.9%. Considering that neoplastic alopecia appears as an unusual pattern of the said metastasis, this report describes a case of such uncommon neoplastic alopecia which presents itself as a cutaneous metastasis of rapid progression in a patient with prior breast cancer history. We present a 47-year-old female patient reporting lesions at the scalp, and who was asymptomatic with a one-year evolution. The patient reported prior breast cancer history and presence of lung metastasis, and was undergoing chemotherapy at the time of consultation. A dermatological evaluation showed only a nodular lesion with erythematous surface and a diameter measuring about 4 cm, firm in consistency, and immovable. She was routed to the Department of Dermatological Surgery, and the results from histopathology were consistent with a diagnosis of metastatic breast adenocarcinoma. Neoplastic alopecia appears as an unusual form of cutaneous metastasis which is predominantly described in association with breast cancer. The lesion’s clinical features play a crucial role at the differential diagnosis, as the presence of erythema could distinguish neoplastic alopecia from alopecia areata. The existence of cutaneous metastasis leads to unfavorable outcomes. As a conclusion, cutaneous evaluation of patients is essential for treating visceral metastases, since the forms of cutaneous metastasis are diverse and can also affect the scalp.

Authors and Affiliations

Felipe Ladeira de Oliveira, Luisa Kelmer Cortês de Barros Silveira, Thais Schiavo Moraes,Fernanda Helena Craide, Maria Cristina Mejia Briceño, Bernard Kawa Kac

Keywords

Related Articles

Unusual presentation of a cutaneous leiomyoma of the neck simulating a goiter

We report an unusual case of a large cutaneous leiomyoma. Dermal leiomyomas are rare and benign skin tumors derived from the smooth erector muscles of the hair. The patient was a 12-year-old child who came in for a consu...

Fractional ablative CO2 laser treatment versus scar subcision and autologous fat transfer in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: New technique

There are different modalities for management of atrophic acne scars which include lasers. Ablative fractional CO2 laser was developed to address the shortcomings of traditional ablative lasers, with superior results to...

Evidence of incompatibility for topical anionic agents used in conjunction with chlorhexidine gluconate: A systematic review

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a widely used antiseptic agent for skin and wound disinfection. The cationic properties of CHG may allow its inactivation and precipitation by anionic agents in commonly used topical agen...

Guidelines for removing permanent makeup

Permanent makeup (PMU) is a frequently implemented cosmetic procedure performed by beauticians. From a technical point, PMU is considered a facial tattoo. Failed procedures or a change of mind can lead to the desire for...

Dermoscopy of a non-pigmented eccrine poroma

Eccrine poroma is a benign adnexal tumor arising from cells of the outer layer of the acrosyringium and upper dermal eccrine duct. It generally appears as a solitary, slow growing, sessile, pink-to-red and well-circumscr...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP680058
  • DOI -
  • Views 166
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Felipe Ladeira de Oliveira, Luisa Kelmer Cortês de Barros Silveira, Thais Schiavo Moraes, Fernanda Helena Craide, Maria Cristina Mejia Briceño, Bernard Kawa Kac (2017). Alopecia neoplastica: An uncommon presentation of metastatic breast carcinoma. Journal of Surgical Dermatology, 2(1), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-680058