Melanoma-like pigmented cutaneous metastases from breast carcinoma.
We report a case of breast carcinoma that presented with pigmented cutaneous metastases clinically mimicking malignant melanoma. The pigmented nature of the tumour was probably caused by melanin release from the damaged epidermis (following invasion and destruction by tumour cells) and subsequent phagocytosis by melanophages. Clinically visible pigmentation in cutaneous metastases from breast carcinoma has been described previously but is very uncommon. This report is followed by a review of the few such cases published in the literature.
Departments of Oncology and Dermatology, Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, Floriana, Malta. rachel_micallef@excite.com
R A
RA
Micallef
M J
MJ
Boffa
J
J
DeGaetano
V
V
Muscat
D001943:Breast Neoplasms; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*