title: Facial cutaneous metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.
abstract: Facial cutaneous metastasis from carcinoma is a rare and late clinical finding that is associated with disseminated disease and a poor prognosis. Skin metastases predominantly originate from primary tumours of the lung and melanoma. Skin metastases from colon tumours occur in only 4-6.5% of cases of metastatic colorectal cancer. They are most often located on the abdominal skin. We present an unusual case in which a primary colorectal adenocarcinoma metastasised to the face. This cutaneous lesion occurred 4 years after diagnosis of the primary tumour. This case highlights the importance of prompt investigation of new or evolving skin lesions in patients with a history of malignancy. Early detection and initiation of treatment may prevent development of widespread skin metastases and extend life expectancy.
authors.affiliation: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: Yasmin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hashimi
authors.forename: Shamik
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dholakia
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods; D003125:Colostomy / Q000379:methods; D018450:Disease Progression; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*