Pulmonary metastases: A rare manifestation of the most common cancer. (6th June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arulananda, Surein; Liew, Mun Sem; Battye, Shane; McDonald, Christine F; Mitchell, Paul
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal of dermatology. Volume 54:Number 3(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: e70
• Page End: e73
• Publication Date: 2012-06-06
• Subjects: basal cell carcinoma -- metastasis -- non‐small cell lung carcinoma; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Australasia -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2012.00904.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8380

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human malignancy but rarely metastasises. We report on two patients with symptomatic lung metastases and a past history of recurrent BCC excisions. In our first patient, a heavy smoker with multiple lung lesions, histology of a resected nodule was first reported as non‐small cell lung cancer but a repeat nodule biopsy a year later was recognised as a pulmonary metastasis from primary cutaneous BCC. Our second patient, a young never‐smoker with two previous BCC, was confirmed as having a pulmonary metastasis from BCC on the lung resection specimen. Pulmonary metastasis from an unidentified primary site is a common clinical situation. These patients emphasise the importance of considering the most common cancer as a potential primary.