Case report
Subcutaneous metastases from colon cancer: a case report
1 Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Biothecnology, Oncology Unit, S.Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina - University of Rome “Sapienza” Corso della Repubblica, 04100, Latina, Italy
2 Department of Surgery Pietro Valdoni, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
3 Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
4 Department of Medical Oncology, San Camillo and Forlanini Hospitals, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
5 Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
Journal of Medical Case Reports 2012, 6:212 doi:10.1186/1752-1947-6-212
Published: 19 July 2012Abstract
Introduction
Dukes 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 presentation
We 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.
Conclusion
The unusual and aggressive course of the reported disease stresses the importance of intensive follow-up in colorectal cancer patients with good prognostic factors.
