Metastatic Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast to the Colon: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

True metastatic involvement of the colon is rare. Colonic metastases occur most commonly secondary to peritoneal metastases from intra-abdominal malignancies. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy that metastasizes hematogenously to the colon. Colonic metastatic disease mimics primary colonic tumors in its presentation. Colonic metastatic involvement is a poor prognostic sign, and the pathologist should be informed about the history of the primary breast cancer when examining the pathologic specimens. In this paper, we report a case of an ileocecal mass found to be histologically consistent with metastatic ductal breast cancer, and then we review the literature about breast cancer metastases to the gastrointestinal tract in general and colon in particular.

Colonic Obstruction from an Unusual Cause: A Rare Case of Metastatic Invasive Ductal Carcinoma to the Colon

“…Based on the review of the literature, presentation of metastatic disease to the colon can be variable [ 1 - 3 , 5 ]. It can be asymptomatic or it can present with signs of intestinal obstruction, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension [ 6 ].…”

Colonic Obstruction From an Unusual Cause: A Rare Case of Metastatic Invasive Ductal Carcinoma to the Colon

“…GI metastasis from breast cancer is rare [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Several case reports have examined the incidence and significance of this finding.…”

“…A few case reports have also demonstrated the rarity of metastasis of invasive ductal carcinoma to the colon. Although invasive ductal carcinoma is more common than invasive lobular carcinoma, the latter metastasize more frequently to the GI tract and retroperitoneum [2,[4][5][6][7][8]. Eljabu et al reported that invasive lobular carcinoma accounts for 64% of GI metastasis.…”

“…Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States and is the second most common cause of death in women after lung cancer [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Metastatic breast cancer, although incurable, can be treated with the intention to prolong survival.…”

“…Metastasis to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract presents variably, ranging from abdominal pain to obstruction. Most reported cases of metastatic disease to the colon are from invasive lobular carcinoma [2][3][4][5][6]8]. Few case reports have described metastasis from invasive ductal carcinoma.…”