Cutaneous Dermal Metastasis of Inflammatory Breast Carcinoma Mimicking Granuloma Annulare

Cureus. 2023 Oct 23;15(10):e47544. doi: 10.7759/cureus.47544. eCollection 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Breast cancer can present as a wide range of cutaneous lesions at the time of diagnosis or months to years after a known diagnosis of breast cancer. Cutaneous sequela of breast cancer, including metastasis, have a diverse range of clinical appearances. Here, we describe the case of a 59-year-old female with stage IV metastatic inflammatory breast carcinoma presenting with a chronic worsening rash on her anterior chest wall. Biopsy results demonstrated metastatic carcinoma cells within the dermal lymphatics, consistent with primary breast cancer. To our knowledge, based on a thorough review of the literature, no previous case reports detailing cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer have identified a rash mimicking granuloma annulare. The present case highlights the importance of early dermatologic referral if any abnormal or persistent lesions appear in a patient with a history of or current treatment for breast cancer.

Keywords: breast cancer; cutaneous dermal metastasis; granuloma annulare; inflammatory breast carcinoma; targetoid lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports