Review of cutaneous metastases from internal malignancies: A 20-year review from a regional cancer treatment centre.

Cutaneous metastases account for 2% of all skin cancers1 . They are becoming increasingly common, as patients with malignancy are living longer2 . They are thought to occur in up to 22% of patients with internal malignancy3 . Recognition of cutaneous metastases is important as they can be the first indicator of an underlying malignancy and portend a worse prognosis in those already known to have a malignancy. Although typically presenting as a firm, non-tender nodule, they can have a varied clinical presentations including cutaneous macules or plaques, scarring alopecia, ulcers, morpheaform and inflammatory appearances. Cutaneous metastases can mimic benign entities such as cysts, lipomas and cellulitis delaying their diagnosis.