A rare case of colon cancer metastasis to the brain and a brief review of its treatment and prognosis

Abstract

Metastatic brain tumors are the most common brain masses in adults however it is rare for them to arise from colon cancer. We present a case of a metastatic colon cancer to the brain in a 68 year old male who presented with facial trauma after a fall he sustained secondary to neurological symptoms. He underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head which revealed a brain mass. The mass was subsequently surgically resected and the diagnosis was confirmed. He went on to receive radiation therapy afterwards. In patients with a history of colon cancer, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the known risk factors for the development of brain metastases in order to best screen for these patients and optimize their prognosis. When brain metastases are discovered, multimodal therapy with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy provides patients with the most optimal survival.

A rare case of metastatic colon cancer to the pineal region: A case report

“…Colon cancer is known to metastasize to several sites including lymph nodes, liver, lung, peritoneum, and rarely to the brain holding a poor prognosis with best median survival shown to be in patients who receive multimodality treatment. [ 2 ] Combination of surgery and radiation therapy compared to surgery alone has been shown to have better outcomes with greater median overall survival of 14 months versus 4.8 months in the surgical group only. [ 4 ] In patients with brain metastasis, some factors can predict the prognosis of these patients with improved survival including age less than 70, having less than or 3 metastatic lesions, KPS more than or equal to 70, and no chemotherapy intake before diagnosing brain metastasis.…”

“…[ 4 ] In patients with brain metastasis, some factors can predict the prognosis of these patients with improved survival including age less than 70, having less than or 3 metastatic lesions, KPS more than or equal to 70, and no chemotherapy intake before diagnosing brain metastasis. [ 2 ] Pineal region metastasis is uncommon and is considered to be found incidentally in patients who have widely metastatic systemic cancer. [ 1 ] The patient in our case was not known to have metastatic cancer and was diagnosed with colon cancer after biopsy of the pineal lesion.…”

“…Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the third most leading cause of death in the United State. [ 2 , 4 ] It has been reported that the most common sites of metastasis include regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and peritoneum. [ 2 ] However, and it is rare, the incidence of brain metastasis from CRC approximates 0.7–10.3% and is detected more due to the increased use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of the radiological workup.…”

“…[ 2 , 4 ] It has been reported that the most common sites of metastasis include regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and peritoneum. [ 2 ] However, and it is rare, the incidence of brain metastasis from CRC approximates 0.7–10.3% and is detected more due to the increased use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of the radiological workup. [ 3 ] A retrospective study of 39 confirmed cases of brain metastasis from CRC between 1984 and 2006 showed that the most common locations are the cerebellum (44%) followed by the frontal lobe (26%), parietal lobe (15%), temporal lobe (10%), and the occipital lobe (5%).…”

How Schwann Cells Are Involved in Brain Metastasis

“…Compared to other primary tumors, metastatic brain tumors originating from colon cancer are relatively rare, with an average incidence of 2.1% [61]. Brain metastases in colorectal cancer patients are often asymptomatic at initial diagnosis and are only identified later by the presentation of severe neurologic symptoms and multiple other sites of metastasis [62]. Despite their rarity, colorectal cancer cells warrant attention due to their interactions with SCs and the enteric nervous system (ENS).…”