Cutaneous metastases occur most frequently in women with breast cancer and, less often, in men with lung cancer. These cancers, along with melanoma, ovarian, mouth, kidney, colon, and stomach cancers, account for most cases of cutaneous metastases. Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma, and leukemia can also cause skin lesions. Cancer cells may also be transplanted during diagnostic procedures or operations. Diagnosis Cutaneous metastases do not always look the same and may be mistaken for harmless skin changes.
Lesions develop as hard, unmoveable nodules, plaque formations, and ulcers.
Most develop on the chest and stomach, but other sites can include the head and neck, back and sides, and pelvis. Only melanoma tends to appear on the arms and legs. Cutaneous metastases tend to become infected and full of pus, and they have an unpleasant odor. Diagnosis of cutaneous metastases is based on clinical findings and a biopsy . Other examinations relate to signs and symptoms of infection, pain, and tenderness.