[Cutaneous metastases on the extremities].

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous metastases (CM) on the extremities are rare complication of cancer with poor prognosis. In general, lesions simulate an infection. Herein, we report two new cases with atypical presentation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case no 1: a 71-year-old man consulted for suspicion of left hand pyogenic granuloma present for 3 months. His history revealed two treated squamous-cell carcinomas (tongue and lung). On physical examination, he presented three budding and foul-smelling lesions on his left hand. Histopathology showed metastasis of squamous-cell carcinoma. Radiographic examination revealed spread of pulmonary nodules with suspicion of metastasis. Case no 2: a 68-year-old man was hospitalized for indurated edema of the right leg present for several months. Six months earlier, he had undergone surgery for left pulmonary adenocarcinoma without metastasis. Physical examination revealed an indurated edema on the right foot. Histopathology showed metastasis from adenocarcinoma. A scan revealed several osteolytic lesions in the right foot as well as lymphadenopathy.

DISCUSSION: Herein, we report two original cases of CM of the extremities diagnosed as tumor progression. This is a rare complication of variable clinical presentation and impacts both cancer management and prognosis. It is important to consider the diagnosis when distal cutaneous lesions persist, particularly where there is a history of cancer.