Work

Unusual Metastatic Pathways: A Case of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Presenting as a Cervical Neck Mass

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Head and neck metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma is exceedingly rare with most cases presenting in the liver, lungs, or peritoneum. This report describes the case of a 53-year-old female patient with a past medical history significant for mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon treated with a right hemicolectomy. She was thought to be in remission but presented a few years later with a new, isolated left cervical neck mass and symptoms of left eye ptosis and dryness. Diagnostic imaging and biopsy confirmed the neck mass to be a metastatic lesion from her prior mucinous adenocarcinoma, with immunohistochemical findings specific for colorectal origin. The case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by such unusual metastatic sites and the importance of considering colorectal cancer in patients with a history of the disease who present with atypical symptoms. Early recognition of metastatic patterns, even in rare locations like the head and neck, is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies, which may include surgical resection, systemic chemotherapy, or targeted therapies. This report emphasizes the need for further research into the mechanisms of metastasis and the development of effective treatment protocols for rare metastatic presentations.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72379

Authors: Taha Al Hassan, Jessica Flores, Adam Bender-Heine, Rachel A Giese

Institutions: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center

Language: English

Topic: Metastasis and carcinoma case studies

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4403761187