Subcutaneous right leg metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma without visceral involvement

Chir Ital. 2001 May-Jun;53(3):405-7.

Abstract

The occurrence of cutaneous metastasis from colorectal cancer is rare, with a reported frequency of less than 4 to 5 percent. Typically signifies widespread disease and a poor prognosis. Metastases from adenocarcinoma of the colon-rectum usually occur within two years of resection of the primary tumour, and the average survival of a patient with cutaneous metastasis has been reported as ranging from 3 to 18 months. The case reported here concerns a patient who developed a skin metastasis without evidence of visceral involvement after treatment of rectal carcinoma. It is advisable to implement cutaneous biopsy in patients with a history of carcinoma; this may establish the diagnosis of metastatic disease and change the methods of therapeutic intervention and prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg
  • Rectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary*