Cutaneous metastasis: a meta-analysis of data.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies of the incidence and the most common causes of cutaneous metastasis have not led to a consensus. We compiled data from many retrospective studies and from patient data registries and autopsies to increase the total number of cases available for a larger analysis of this subject. This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the true incidence of cutaneous metastasis, the tumors most commonly involved in this presentation, and the locations of such lesions.


METHODS
A meta-analysis of cutaneous metastases from patient tumor registries and autopsic studies was performed.


RESULTS
The overall incidence of cutaneous metastasis is 5.3%. The most common tumor to metastasize to the skin is breast cancer. The chest is the most common site of cutaneous metastasis. Every practitioner should be highly suspicious of acute-onset, persistent, firm papulonodules, especially when they develop on the chest.


CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis greatly increases the total number of cases available for the analysis of cutaneous metastases and provides a better overall view of this topic than was previously possible.
Krathen
Richard A
RA
Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Orengo
Ida F
IF
Rosen
Ted
T
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000556:secondary*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*