Cutaneous lymphangitis carcinomatosa made cervicofacial oedema intractable in a patient with superior vena cava syndrome

Abstract

Cutaneous lymphangitis carcinomatosa (CLC) is a rare form of cutaneous metastasis that causes lymphoedema and various eruptions. We report a case of lung cancer with CLC that caused both superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis and cervicofacial oedema, suggestive of SVC syndrome. A 64-year-old woman with lung adenocarcinoma presented with cervicofacial oedema and erythema, followed by severe dyspnoea 2 months after four cycles of carboplatin, pemetrexed and bevacizumab triplet therapy. Although chest CT indicated SVC stenosis, cervicofacial oedema remained despite treating the SVC stenosis via balloon dilation. A skin biopsy of the erythematic sample confirmed CLC as the cause of the patient's symptoms. CLC should be considered as a differential diagnosis of cervicofacial oedema in addition to SVC syndrome, especially when it is observed in combination with skin erythema and induration. Moreover, a skin biopsy should be performed promptly for accurate diagnosis of CLC and to decide on appropriate treatment.