Metastatic colorectal cancer

Case contributed by Kevan English
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Shortness of breath and RUQ pain in a patient with colorectal cancer.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

CT Scan without contrast

ct

Extensive multifocal patchy mid to lower lung zone predominant airspace disease/pneumonia with small bilateral effusions and associated compressive atelectasis.

Multifocal mass-like lesions throughout the liver which suspicious for neoplastic/metastatic disease.

Heterogeneous appearance of the marrow with question of associated T11 cortical involvement.

Moderate to large volume ascites and soft tissue edema.

Mesenteric nodularity possibly related to metastatic spread.

Case Discussion

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. The most common site for metastasis is the liver. Colorectal cancer cells may also spread to the lungs, bones, brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of metastasis vary by location. Risk factors include ulcerative colitis, diabetes, obesity, prior abdominopelvic radiation, and inherited colon cancer syndromes (e.g., Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis). Treatment commonly includes surgery and chemotherapy.

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