Role of lymphatics in cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer

Abstract

Cutaneous metastatic breast cancer presents itself very differently in different cases. A method of differentiating whether the cancer is produced by hematogenous or lymphatic spread and the clinicopathological correlation of the disease need to be clarified. A recent study by Yun et al., which examined a series of 28 cases of cutaneous metastatic breast cancer using D2-40, CD31 and CD34 staining, is reviewed. The results of this study suggest that lymphatic vessels play an important role in all types of cutaneous metastasis. © 2012 Expert Reviews Ltd.