Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin Associated with Sarcoid Reactions in the Regional Lymph Nodes

Sarcoid reactions in lymph nodes with or without metastasis from a primary malignant neoplasm are well-known. However, it is extremely rare to find these reactions associated with cutaneous solid tumors; only one such case has appeared in the literature. Here we describe a case of an 83-year-old man with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma accompanied by sarcoid reactions and metastatic foci in the regional lymph nodes. The possibilities of systemic sarcoidosis and tuberculosis were excluded after extensive examinations specific for these diseases. Some authors regard the sarcoid reaction to be a sign of a good prognosis on the basis of studies of a few patients with solid tumors. In our case, however, the patient died of pulmonary metastasis with pleuritis carcinomatosa shortly after surgery. Systematic analysis of a sufficient number of cases should be carried out to evaluate the clinical significance of this type of reaction.