Cutaneous metastases of endometrial carcinoma: report of an unusual case and literature review

Purpose Cutaneous metastases of endometrial carcinoma are rare. We report a case of a 54-year-old woman who developed cutaneous metastases from an endometrial carcinoma, and review the related literature to offer insight into this rare and serious condition. Methods The clinical and pathological data and therapy delivered to a patient from Peking University People's Hospital, were retrieved from her medical records. A systematic literature search regarding this unusual disease progression was conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE. Results A postmenopausal patient diagnosed with stage IB endometrioid carcinoma rapidly developed cutaneous metastases. 10 months postoperatively, the patient developed multiple lymph node metastases, and 22 months later, cutaneous metastases appeared on both breasts. She was then treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy. The skin lesions eased temporarily but deteriorated quickly. Ultimately, she died in 7 months subsequent to the appearance of cutaneous lesions. Conclusion Cutaneous metastases from endometrial carcinoma have usually been incurable and associated with a limited prognosis.