Osteosarcoma of the skin.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is a common malignancy, although skin metastasis is rare. We sought to review the incidence, epidemiology, risk factors, and prognosis of osteosarcoma with skin involvement.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review that covered 30 years and involved clinic patients younger than 18 years who had cutaneous metastases of osteosarcoma. The main outcome measure was histologic documentation of both primary tumor and metastatic lesion in the skin.

RESULTS: Two patients were found to have osteosarcoma with skin involvement. No unifying factors were identified.

CONCLUSIONS: Although osteosarcoma is a common malignancy with frequent metastases, involvement of the skin is rare. Further studies to identify risk factors and subsequent prognosis are necessary. Nevertheless, unidentifiable skin lesions in a patient with a history of osteosarcoma should be investigated to rule out tumor metastasis, regardless of cancer status.