Supraclavicular Metastasis from Infraclavicular Organs: Retrospective Analysis of 18 Patients

Background Supraclavicular fossa masses have usually been malignant lesions. When fine needle aspiration biopsy results have not been satisfactory excisional biopsy of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy would be mandatory. Methods In this study we investigated 18 patients who had supraclavicular region metastasis from infraclavicular primary sites. Results Distant metastatic sites were mostly lung in origin. Other sites were breast, prostate, pancreas, cervix, urothelial, gastric carcinoma and pleural mesothelioma. All of our patients except the one with mesothelioma have died within one year after diagnosis of supraclavicular metastasis due to disseminated disease. Conclusions Supraclavicular neck masses should be evaluated carefully, since they were mostly malignant in origin. Lung has been the most common origin site. Early diagnosis would be critical because supraclavicular metastasis indicates poor prognosis with decreased survival. Excisional biopsy should be performed promptly when fine needle aspiration biopsy was not diagnostic.