CUTANEOUS METASTASES FROM COLORECTAL CANCER: A CASE REPORT WITH A LITERATURE REVIEW

Background:Cutaneous metastases from colorectal cancer are rare and
usually reflect advanced systemic disease. Their clinical presentation is
often nonspecific, which may lead to delayed diagnosis. Understanding
the characteristics, timing of presentation, and prognostic significance
of these lesions is essential for clinicians managing colorectal cancer
patients.
Methods:We report the case of a 65-year-old man who developed a
hypogastric cutaneous metastases two years after surgical resection of a
colonic adenocarcinoma. Clinical examination, imaging, and
histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. A review of the literature was
conducted to summarize epidemiology, common clinical patterns,
diagnostic approaches, and prognostic implications of cutaneous
metastases originating from colorectal cancer.
Results:The patient presented with firm abdominal nodules shortly
after completing his first chemotherapy cycle. Concurrent imaging
revealed pulmonary involvement. Literature findings indicate that
cutaneous metastases most frequently appear near surgical scars or the
abdominal wall and are strongly associated with disseminated disease.
Reported survival after the appearance of skin metastases is generally
limited, emphasizing their value as a marker of poor prognosis.
Conclusion:This case highlights the importance of clinical awareness
regarding new skin lesions in patients with a history of colorectal
cancer. Early recognition and biopsy are essential for accurate
diagnosis. The literature confirms that cutaneous metastases represent
advanced disease and carry significant prognostic implications,
reinforcing the need for timely multidisciplinary evaluation and
management.