Metastatic Axillary Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an African-American Female: A Rare Case

Division

East Florida

Hospital

Westside Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

9-7-2024

Keywords

adrenal gland metastasis, african-american female, axillary abscess, cscc, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, metastatic axillary squamous cell carcinoma, periaortic lymph node metastasis

Disciplines

Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Neoplasms | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common skin cancer, typically affecting older White males in sun-exposed areas, and metastasis is rare. We present a unique case of a 46-year-old obese African-American woman with a recurrent, deep abscess in her left axilla. It was initially treated with several incision and drainage procedures and antibiotics. Despite multiple interventions, the abscess recurred with severe pain and drainage. Subsequent biopsies revealed a high-grade malignant neoplasm, later confirmed as poorly differentiated cSCC with primary metastases to the lungs and secondary metastases to the adrenal glands and periaortic lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical staining supported the diagnosis. The patient's atypical presentation, including her race, a non-sun-exposed site, and younger age, highlights the need for vigilance in diagnosing cSCC in atypical cases. This case underscores the importance of early consideration of cSCC in differential diagnoses for persistent or recurrent abscesses, which can facilitate timely treatment, potentially preventing extensive metastasis and improving patient outcomes.

Publisher or Conference

Cureus

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