Pilomatrix carcinoma with lymph node and pulmonary metastases

Case report: a 72-year-old male patient developed a locally recurrent pilomatrix carcinoma (PC) of the right upper shank. Within a 2-year period he also developed bilateral pulmonary as well as inguinal, cervical and paraaortic lymph node metastases. After external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) alone, sole interstitial high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BRT) or postoperative EBRT with interstitial HDR-BRT boost, the patient demonstrated regressive or stable disease at the lymphatic sites. Systemic chemotherapy with intravenous paclitaxel failed to assure a substantial pulmonary response. In the course of the disease after 28 months pulmonary progression has led to continuing clinical deterioration. Conclusion: in accordance with literature data the hitherto course of this case corroborates that radiation therapy (RT) modalities can play an important role in the treatment of PC. (orig.)