Squamous cell carcinoma of the umbilicus: management of an unusual localization

Tumori. 2011 Mar-Apr;97(2):236-8. doi: 10.1177/030089161109700219.

Abstract

We describe the case of a squamous cell carcinoma spreading to the skin and regional lymph nodes from the umbilicus. Bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy and a session of electrochemotherapy with bleomycin 15 mg/m2 were performed. However, because of the development of new cutaneous nodules in the abdominopelvic region, we performed targeted palliative therapy with erlotinib 150 mg/day. Targeted adjuvant therapy was preferred to the use of a major cytotoxic agent because of the high risk of superinfection and heart failure. Erlotinib produced a partial clinical response with reduction of the number and size of the skin nodules. CT scan performed after 60 days of treatment did not show any new lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an umbilical metastatic squamous cell carcinoma treated with modern targeted therapy. This therapeutic strategy can be considered a valid palliative option in the management of metastatic cutaneous nodules of this rare primary site.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Abdominal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Abdominal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Abdominal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Aged
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bleomycin / administration & dosage
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Electrochemotherapy
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Node Excision*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Umbilicus* / pathology
  • Umbilicus* / surgery

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Quinazolines
  • Bleomycin
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride