Metachronous cutaneous metastasis from right-sided colon cancer at a drain site: a case report and literature review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Introduction: Cutaneous metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) are rare and often indicate advanced disease. This case report highlights an uncommon pattern of recurrence from right-sided colon cancer and reviews the pertinent literature. Case presentation: A 57-year-old woman with a history of emergency right colectomy for perforated colonic adenocarcinoma developed a cutaneous nodule, rapidly increasing in size and measuring 3 × 4 cm, at the site of a previous drain 6 months after surgery. Biopsy confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma. Apart from the cutaneous metastasis, imaging showed a deep retroperitoneal mass that did not communicate with the cutaneous nodule and no other visceral metastases. Systemic chemotherapy was reinitiated with bevacizumab. Due to refractory bleeding and transfusion-dependent anemia, surgical excision of the cutaneous lesion was performed, improving the patient's quality of life. Clinical discussion: Cutaneous metastases from CRC are unusual and generally associated with poor prognosis. Their management remains palliative in most cases. Drain-site metastasis is particularly rare and may reflect tumor cell seeding. Conclusion: Vigilance for nodular skin lesions in post-operative CRC patients is crucial. Prompt biopsy and imaging facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate management.
Institution: Hôpital Charles-Nicolle
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,090
OpenAlex ID: W7225727532