Metastatic inflammatory carcinoma of the rectum: tumor spread by three routes

Am J Dermatopathol. 1997 Oct;19(5):528-32. doi: 10.1097/00000372-199710000-00107.

Abstract

We report a case of a patient with adenocarcinoma of the rectum with inflammatory metastases to the skin who was treated with radiation therapy and subsequently developed lymphatic obstruction with resultant extensive lymphedema of the lower extremities. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry showed intralymphatic, intravascular, and interstitial malignant cells in the dermis. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of inflammatory carcinoma arising from metastatic carcinoma of the rectum. However, tumor cell spread to the skin by three routes has not previously been demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / radiotherapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Capillaries / pathology
  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen / analysis
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Erythema / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology
  • Lymphatic System / pathology
  • Lymphedema / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / pathology
  • Rectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Skin / blood supply
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary*

Substances

  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen