Cutaneous Metastasis - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anand S. Urhekar, MD, MD Pathology, Clinical Advisor · Last updated July 2026
Skin deposits formed when cancer cells spread from a primary tumour elsewhere in the body. They usually appear as firm, painless, rapidly growing nodules — often on the chest wall, abdomen or scalp — and may be the first visible sign of an internal cancer or of cancer recurrence.
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Quick Answer
Cutaneous metastases are skin nodules formed by cancer that has spread from an internal organ. They are typically firm, rubbery, painless and fast-growing, most often on the chest wall, abdomen or scalp. Breast cancer is the commonest source in women and lung cancer in men. Any rapidly enlarging firm skin lump, especially with a cancer history, needs urgent medical assessment and biopsy.
Symptoms
- Firm, rubbery, mobile or fixed nodules under or in the skin
- Rapid growth over weeks
- Usually painless, skin-coloured, pink or violaceous
- Clusters near a surgical scar or on the chest wall
- Sometimes ulceration or an inflamed plaque (carcinoma erysipeloides)
Causes & Risk Factors
- Spread from breast cancer (commonest in women)
- Spread from lung cancer (commonest in men)
- Melanoma, colorectal, renal, ovarian or head and neck cancer
- Local recurrence along surgical or drain sites
Treatment & Management
- Biopsy to identify the primary tumour type
- Systemic therapy directed at the primary cancer
- Local radiotherapy for symptomatic or ulcerated lesions
- Surgical excision of isolated deposits
- Palliative wound care for ulcerated lesions
When to See a Doctor
Seek urgent medical review for any firm skin lump that is growing over weeks, especially if you have a current or previous cancer diagnosis, or lumps appearing near an old surgical scar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are skin metastases?
They occur in roughly 0.7–9% of people with internal cancer. In a small proportion of cases the skin lesion is the very first sign that an internal cancer exists.
Do skin metastases hurt?
Usually not. Most are painless, which is one reason they are ignored. Pain, ulceration or bleeding tend to be later features.
Can they be mistaken for cysts?
Yes — they are commonly mistaken for epidermoid cysts or lipomas. The distinguishing feature is rapid growth over weeks and firmness. Biopsy resolves the question.
Related Conditions
Medical References
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.