Caecal metastasis from breast cancer presenting as intestinal obstruction

World J Surg Oncol. 2008 May 9:6:47. doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-6-47.

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal metastsasis from the breast cancer are rare. We report a patient who presented with intestinal obstruction due to solitary caecal metastasis from infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast. We also review the available literature briefly.

Case presentation: A 72 year old lady with past history of breast cancer presented with intestinal obstruction due to a caecal mass. She underwent an emergency right hemicolectomy. The histological examination of the right hemicolectomy specimen revealed an adenocarcinoma in caecum staining positive for Cytokeratin 7 and Carcinoembryonic antigen and negative for Cytokeratin 20, CDX2 and Estrogen receptor. Eight out of 11 mesenteric nodes showed tumour deposits. A histological diagnosis of metastatic breast carcinoma was given.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of solitary metastasis to caecum from infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast. Awareness of this possibility will aid in appropriate management of such patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • CDX2 Transcription Factor
  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen / analysis
  • Cecal Neoplasms / complications
  • Cecal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cecal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Female
  • Homeodomain Proteins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Keratin-7 / analysis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CDX2 Transcription Factor
  • CDX2 protein, human
  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Keratin-7