Extensive recurrence of colon adenocarcinoma: A case of cutaneous metastasis to the legs and its clinical implication

Abstract

The rate of cutaneous metastases in cancer patients overall is reported at highly variable rates, presenting in up to 5% of visceral malignancies. Colorectal carcinoma most commonly metastasizes to lymph nodes, lung, liver, and peritoneum, with only 2–6% metastasizing to the skin.^1,2,3 While cutaneous metastasis of colorectal cancer most commonly spreads to the surgical scar site, metastasis to the legs, however, is exceedingly rare and only a handful of case reports are recorded in the literature.^3,4,5 Early diagnosis of cutaneous metastases is critical, yet remains challenging, as a full body skin exam is not typically included in routine colon cancer surveillance. Here, we present a patient who was found to have recurrent colon adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the bilateral thighs. Our case, highlights the importance of conducting a thorough skin examination as part of routine colon cancer surveillance.