Cutaneous Metastasis of Breast Carcinoma in the Distal Phalanx of the Left Little Finger: A Case Report.

Abstract

With breast cancer cases escalating globally, the risk of uncommon sequelae like cutaneous metastatic carcinoma also rises. The identification of such metastases is essential in posttreatment surveillance. A 73-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and diabetes initially presented with postmenopausal bleeding, leading to the discovery and treatment of endometrial carcinoma via hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy. Nearly a decade later, she developed bilateral breast carcinoma, confirmed via radiology and biopsies, necessitating a bilateral-modified radical mastectomy. Her postoperative phase was complicated by the development of sternum bone metastasis and a peculiar metastatic lesion on the left little finger, presenting as a fungating swelling on the distal phalanx. This lesion was later identified as metastatic metaplastic carcinoma from the breast, a rarity for cutaneous metastases. An amputation of the distal phalanx was performed, but her overall condition worsened. Ten months posttreatment, she was hospitalized with a severely deteriorated condition and died shortly after. This case highlights the insidious nature of cutaneous metastases in breast cancer and the potential for unusual presentations, such as the rare involvement of the distal phalanx. It emphasizes the importance of continuous vigilance in the follow-up of breast cancer patients, particularly when unusual symptoms arise, and underscores the value of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex metastatic diseases to potentially improve survival outcomes.