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Cutaneous Metastases

»	How often do internal malignancies metastasize to the skin?
»	By what three routes do internal malignancies metastasize to the skin?
»	How do malignant cells invade and metastasize?
»	What are the most common cancers that metastasize to the skin in women?
»	What are the most common cancers that metastasize to the skin in men?
»	Do metastases to the skin typically occur in random patterns?
»	Describe the most common presentations of malignancies metastatic to the skin.
»	What is alopecia neoplastica?
»	What is a Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule?
»	Which tumors usually present as a Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule?
»	Does basal cell carcinoma ever metastasize?
»	How do you diagnose a cutaneous metastasis?
»	What is the prognosis of a patient with a cutaneous metastasis?

What is the prognosis of a patient with a cutaneous metastasis?

Cutaneous metastasis is usually a poor prognostic sign and often reflects preexisting widespread internal metastasis. In one study, the average life expectancy after development of skin metastases was only 3 months. The prognosis is ultimately dependent on the primary tumor, and some patients do survive for years.

Carroll MC, Fleming M, Chitambar CR, Neuburg M: Diagnosis, workup, and prognosis of cutaneous metastases of unknown primary origin, Dermatol Surg 28:533–535, 2002.