Facial cutaneous metastasis of rectal adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Skin metastasis caused by carcinomas is associated with poor prognosis and is a rare and late clinical finding. Skin metastases occur in only 9-6.5% of Stage IV colorectal cancer. We present an unusual case of Stage IV unresectable rectal adenocarcinoma metastasized to the head and face. One and a half years after diagnosis, new skin lesions developed on his face. Biopsy showed mucinous adenocarcinoma consistent with rectal malignancy. Moreover, he died 3 months after the diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis. This case emphasizes the importance of the effect of skin lesions on prognosis in patients with a history of malignancy.