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.

CONCLUSION: 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.