Subcutaneous metastases from colon cancer: a case report

Abstract

IntroductionDukes A stages of colorectal cancer are rarely reported to metastasize. Subcutaneous or skin metastases from colon cancer are rare events and usually indicate widespread disease.Case presentationWe present the case of a 72-year-old Caucasian woman with Dukes A colorectal cancer at diagnosis and, three years later, a single secondary subcutaneous involvement with no other metastatic sites. The description of this case is supported by critical analysis of its clinical, radiological and pathological features. Our report illustrates that diagnosis can be difficult and controversial when relapse occurs in early stage patients and at uncommon sites.ConclusionThe unusual and aggressive course of the reported disease stresses the importance of intensive follow-up in colorectal cancer patients with good prognostic factors.

Late isolated subcutaneous metastasis from colon cancer

“…Abdominal wall recurrences are usually associated with the presence of intra‐abdominal disease and poor prognosis. The occurrence of isolated subcutaneous metastases is an extremely rare finding . In the largest series reported, they represented only 13% of cases .…”

“…Subcutaneous metastases from colorectal carcinoma are rare, accounting for <1% of cases and mostly occurring in the incision scar. [1][2][3] Due to the small number of cases, it is not possible to establish the clinicopathological risk factors. The time interval between initial surgery and presentation is extremely wide.…”

“…The occurrence of isolated subcutaneous metastases is an extremely rare finding. [1][2][3][4][5] In the largest series reported, they represented only 13% of cases. 1 Pathogenesis is unknown but two hypotheses have been suggested: the first implies a lymphatic and haematogenous spread of the disease, while the second speculates on tumour cells implantation during surgery.…”

“…1 Pathogenesis is unknown but two hypotheses have been suggested: the first implies a lymphatic and haematogenous spread of the disease, while the second speculates on tumour cells implantation during surgery. 2,3 The imaging technique of choice in detecting these lesions is positron emission tomography/CT scan, which provides both structural and functional information, allowing the selection of patients who may benefit from surgical resection. 6,7 In doubtful cases, cytology may be a safe and quick method to obtain a correct diagnosis, with reported sensitivity and specificity of approximately 100%.…”

Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Of Colon Presenting As Cutaneous Metastases Over The Abdominal Wall: A Rare Entity On Cytology

“…The most frequent site of cutaneous metastases of colonic cancer is the abdominal skin, often on surgical incision scars 5 . Ulceration, nodules, bullae or fibrotic processes are the most common presentations of cutaneous metastases 6 .…”