Sushma Khuraijam1, Sucheta Devi Khuraijam2, Ambala Devi Khagokpam3, Gayatri Gatphoh Soram4, Debanjan Ghosh5, Tiakumzuk Sangtam6, Dipdeba Singh Takhellambam7, Kaushik Debnath8
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous metastasis from carcinoma are relatively uncommon being usually late events in the course of internal malignancies. This study highlights the role of fine needle aspiration cytology in diagnosing metastatic skin nodules.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective review of cytopathological records from Pathology Department, RIMS for five years (January 2010 to December 2014) was done and 36 cases with cutaneous metastases were encountered.
RESULTS
Of the 36 cases, there were 15 males and 21 females. The age range was 16 to 80 years with a mean age of 55.2 years. Known primary tumour was found in 32 cases (88.9%) and 4 (11.9%) cases were of unknown primary. The most common primary site of malignancy to metastasise was lungs in males and breast and ovary in females. Abdominal wall followed by chest wall were the most common sites of metastasis. Adenocarcinoma was the commonest histological type to metastasise.
CONCLUSION
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a minimally invasive, safe, rapid and reliable method for the diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis. It also offers a clue to the underlying unsuspected malignancy or recurrence.
