[Scalp metastasis from small cell carcinoma of the rectum: an unusual case].

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous metastasis of rectal carcinoma is a rare event. It occurs in 4% of all patients with rectal cancer. Skin metastasis of rectal cancer are usually detected near the initial tumor, especially in the periumbilical region; but they rarely occur in the scalp.

AIM: To report a new case of scalp metastases from rectal tumor.

CASE REPORT: Our patient was a 63-year old male with a history of small cell carcinoma of the rectum who subsequently developed a single nodule of the scalp of 4cm. Histopathological analysis revealed a small cell carcinoma infiltrating the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The patient underwent palliative chemotherapy but his disease continued to progress.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to the prior cases of scalp metastases reported in the literature, ours is the first documentation of such an occurrence from rectal small cell carcinoma. The early diagnosis of skin metastases in these patients is very important because it can alter treatment.