Colorectal carcinoma metastases to the head and neck are exceedingly rare. Patients may present with vague symptoms that may lead to a delay in diagnosis. We report the case of a 51-year-old man with a known history of stage IIIB colorectal adenocarcinoma who presented with right-sided molar tooth bleeding and right-sided palate swelling that led to difficulty speaking, eating and weight-loss of 15 pounds. Imaging studies revealed a 3.1×4.8×3 cm mass that was centred around the posterior aspect of the maxilla. Pathology revealed moderately differentiated intestinal type adenocarcinoma of colonic subtype, immune histochemistry was positive for CDX2, CK20 and MUC2, thus confirming metastatic disease to the maxilla. The patient is undergoing chemoradiation therapy for palliation of his symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of this potentional site of metastatic disease and suspect the diagnosis in a timely manner to avoid delays in making a diagnosis.
Necrotising fasciitis (NF) resulting from sigmoid perforation is rare, but none the less remains life threatening. Early surgical intervention and empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic remains the standard of care. A 65-year-old man with history of stage 4 rectal cancer presented with bilateral hip pain. An X-ray of the hip and pelvis to rule out fracture revealed abnormal gas pattern overlying the right hip. CT imaging revealed distal sigmoid perforation with air extending from the pelvis to posterior aspect of the right hip and thigh. Aggressive surgical intervention and antibiotic initiation was associated with successful outcomes in our patient. Although less common, sigmoid perforation leading to NF in posterior thigh is a reminder of a potentially lethal complication.
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