# Cutaneous Metastasis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Review of Literature

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare skin metastasis from triple negative breast cancer in a 95-year-old patient, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatment for elderly patients.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare clinical case of cutaneous metastasis from triple negative breast cancer in an elderly patient and emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary care.

## Key findings

- Cutaneous metastasis occurred eight years after initial breast cancer treatment.
- Palliative care with topical imiquimod provided symptom relief and maintained quality of life.
- Early recognition and biopsy are crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

## Abstract

Cutaneous metastases (CMs) from breast cancer are rare but represent a significant manifestation of advanced disease, occurring in a small group of patients. They often present metachronously and may resemble dermatologic conditions, complicating diagnosis.

We report a 95-year-old woman with a history of ductal triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), initially treated with mastectomy and radiotherapy. Eight years post-mastectomy, she developed an erythematous and indurated skin lesion in the left axilla and one in the rachis. Histopathology confirmed metastatic carcinoma of the breast and CT scan revealed also pulmonary metastasis. Palliative treatment with topical imiquimod and supportive care was decided as the best treatment option due to the patient’s very advanced age and comorbidities. The patient remains stable six months post-diagnosis.

CMs indicate metastatic disease and require prompt recognition to avoid misdiagnosis. Dermatoscopy and biopsy with histological confirmation are the cornerstone tools for the diagnostic assessment. Surgical resections may be ideal for localized disease, but topical and/or systemic therapy is an effective alternative. Palliative care in combination with topical agents’ administration offers symptom relief and maintains quality of life in the over elderly patients.

Early recognition of CMs is crucial for accurate diagnosis and optimal management. A multidisciplinary approach ensures timely intervention, while treatment should be tailored to balance efficacy and quality of life, precisely in elderly patients.