A case of zosteriform cutaneous metastasis from transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

Abstract

The usual sites of the bladder cancer metastases are lymph nodes, liver, lungs and bone. The incidence of metastases to the skin from bladder cancer has been reported to be between 0.2 and 2%. Cutaneous metastases from transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder occur infrequently. Metastatic skin cancers vary in type, in rare instances, zosteriform metastases may occur. A 77-year-old man with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder presented with multiple grouped erythematous papuloplaques and nodules which had developed on the right abdomen, flank and back in zosteriform distribution. Histopathologic examination revealed dermal pleomorphic cellular infiltration and tumor cells in lymphatic vessels. It represents a case of zosteriform cutaneous metastasis from transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.