Subcutaneous metastasis of pancreatic cancer in the site of percutaneous biliary drainage

A subcutaneous metastatic lesion from a carcinoma of the pancreas or common bile-duct along the tract of a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage is a rare finding. Prompted by a case that came to our observation by chance, we reviewed the literature and analysed the 29 cases collected. Neoplastic cell seeding along a percutaneous drainage tract, albeit rare, must be kept in mind. The complication can be avoided if patients at risk, whenever possible, undergo endoscopic drainage.