scholarly journals Cutaneous Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer: Making Light on an Unusual and Misdiagnosed Event

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 954
Author(s):  
Paola Parente ◽  
Davide Ciardiello ◽  
Luca Reggiani Bonetti ◽  
Vincenzo Famiglietti ◽  
Gerardo Cazzato ◽  
...  

Cutaneous metastasis from solid tumors is a rare event and usually represents a late occurrence in the natural history of an advanced visceral malignancy. Rarely, cutaneous metastasis has been described in colorectal cancer patients. The most frequent cutaneous site of colorectal metastasis is the surgical scar in the abdomen following the removal of the primary malignancy, followed by the extremities, perineum, head, neck, and penis. Metastases to the thigh and back of the trunk are anecdotical. Dermatological diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis can be quite complex, especially in unusual sites, such as in the facial skin or thorax and in cases of single cutaneous lesions since metastasis from colorectal cancer is not usually the first clinical hypothesis, leading to misdiagnosis. To date, due to the rarity of cutaneous metastasis from colorectal cancer, little evidence, most of which is based on case reports and very small case series, is currently available. Therefore, a better understanding of the clinic-pathological characteristics of this unusual metastatic site represents an unmet clinical need. We present a large series of 29 cutaneous metastases from colorectal cancer with particular concerns regarding anatomic localization and the time of onset with respect to primitive colorectal cancer and visceral metastases.

Author(s):  
Mohammad M. Al-Qattan ◽  
Nada G. AlQadri ◽  
Ghada AlHayaza

Abstract Introduction Herpetic whitlows in infants are rare. Previous authors only reported individual case reports. We present a case series of six infants. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of six cases of herpetic whitlows in infants seen by the senior author (MMA) over the past 23 years (1995–2017 inclusive). The following data were collected: age, sex, digit involved in the hand, mode of transmission, time of presentation to the author, clinical appearance, presence of secondary bacterial infection, presence of other lesions outside the hand, method of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Results All six infants initially presented with classic multiple vesicles of the digital pulp. In all cases, there was a history of active herpes labialis in the mother. Incision and drainage or deroofing of the vesicles (for diagnostic purposes) resulted in secondary bacterial infection. Conclusion The current report is the first series in the literature on herpetic whitlows in infants. We stress on the mode of transmission (from the mother) and establishing the diagnosis clinically. In these cases, no need for obtaining viral cultures or polymerase chain reaction; and no medications are required. Once the vesicles are disrupted, secondary bacterial infection is frequent and a combination of oral acyclovir and intravenous antibiotics will be required.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S122-S123
Author(s):  
Sigrid A Blome-Eberwein ◽  
Cassandra Pinataro

Abstract Introduction Heterotopic ossification of large joints is a commonly seen and described entity in Burn survivors. We have observed a rather uncommon phenomenon in a series of 4 Burn survivors who presented to our Burn center for scar treatment and open wounds many years after their injuries. A chronic, small, splinter-like subcutaneous irritation led to open wounds and infections in their burn scars. A similar condition is known as dystrophic calcinosis cutis in the dermatologic literature, but caused by calcium metabolism changes in otherwise healthy skin. Methods The demographics and history of illness was documented in all 4 patients. A literature review was performed. The calcified bone-like irritant was removed surgically in all patients, sometimes in more than one location. Pathologic evaluation was performed on the removed specimen. Strategies leading to healing of the wounds were evaluated. Results Four publications were found addressing this phenomenon in Burn scars, all case reports. All of our patients had undergone curettage of the lesions by a dermatologist in the past without resolution. All lesions were excised surgically and proved to extend subcutaneously far more extensively than the visible skin lesion. X rays proved not helpful in preoperative assessment of the extent. All wounds healed after the irritant was removed. Conclusions All lesions appeared to have formed along tendon or fascia remnants underneath the burn scars, exerting pressure on the overlying epithelium which eventually led to breakdown and necrosis. This finding prompted the term “heterotopic cutaneous ossification”. Chronic tension and inflammation were assumed in the etiology, rather than calcium metabolism abnormalities or systemic connective tissue disease, which were not present in these patients. Research is needed to establish the prevalence, cause, and prevention of this condition in Burn survivors.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Na Zhou ◽  
Li-Qiang Weng ◽  
Chun-Xia Feng ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Ping Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: People suffer from schistosomiasis, leading to liver fibrosis, splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. The effects of bevacizumab plus oxaliplatin or irinotecan-based chemotherapy regimens on platelets are different, but have not been determined. We conducted a retrospective analysis in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients evaluating the impact of bevacizumab on platelet, in order to find a more suitable plan for mCRC patients with a history of schistosomiasis.Methods: The medical records of all mCRC patients with a history of schistosomiasis who received FOLFOX or FOLFIRI with or without bevacizumab from September 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019 in Kunshan Hospital were reviewed. Platelet counts and spleen sizes were compared from the first cycle until completion of chemotherapy.Results: Evaluable splenic enlargement and thrombocytopenia results were obtained from 73 Bevacizumab-treated patients and 80 non-bevacizumab treated patients. In patients treated with oxaliplatin, the rates of splenic enlargement (19.5% vs. 66.7%, P=0.01) and thrombocytopenia (31.7% vs. 77.2%, P=0.02) were lower in the bevacizumab-treated cohort than that in the nonbevacizumab cohort. When stratified for irinotecan, there were no statistical differences of frequency of splenic enlargement between the two groups, however, the rates of thrombocytopenia were higher in the bevacizumab-treated cohort than that in the nonbevacizumab cohort (59.4% vs. 8.7%, P=0.01 ).Conclusion: The bevacizumab plus oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen is more suitable for mCRC patients with a history of schistosomiasis, especially for lower platelet count patients.


Author(s):  
Ellahe Azizlou ◽  
Mohsen AminSobhani ◽  
Sholeh Ghabraei ◽  
Mehrfam Khoshkhounejad ◽  
Abdollah Ghorbanzadeh ◽  
...  

Extraoral sinus tracts of odontogenic origin often develop as the result of misdiagnosis of persistent dental infections due to trauma, caries, or periodontal disease. Due to these lesions' imitation from cutaneous lesions, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement, which we frequently encounter, this article aims to describe four cases with manifestations in different parts of the face and the neck. Patients were referred to an endodontist with a history of several surgical procedures and/or antibiotic therapy due to misdiagnosis. After comprehensive examinations, root canal treatment was performed. The resolution of signs and symptoms during the follow-up period confirmed the correct diagnosis. Dermatologists and other physicians should be aware of the possibility of the relationship of extraoral sinus tracts with dental infections. Precise examination and taking a comprehensive history can aid to prevent unnecessary and incorrect therapeutic and/or pharmaceutical interventions. Elimination of dental infection leads to complete recovery in such patients.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael G. dos Santos ◽  
José Carlos Bouso ◽  
Jaime E. C. Hallak

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogen brew traditionally used for ritual and therapeutic purposes in Northwestern Amazon. It is rich in the tryptamine hallucinogens dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which acts as a serotonin 5-HT2A agonist. This mechanism of action is similar to other compounds such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. The controlled use of LSD and psilocybin in experimental settings is associated with a low incidence of psychotic episodes, and population studies corroborate these findings. Both the controlled use of DMT in experimental settings and the use of ayahuasca in experimental and ritual settings are not usually associated with psychotic episodes, but little is known regarding ayahuasca or DMT use outside these controlled contexts. Thus, we performed a systematic review of the published case reports describing psychotic episodes associated with ayahuasca and DMT intake. We found three case series and two case reports describing psychotic episodes associated with ayahuasca intake, and three case reports describing psychotic episodes associated with DMT. Several reports describe subjects with a personal and possibly a family history of psychosis (including schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorders, psychotic mania, psychotic depression), nonpsychotic mania, or concomitant use of other drugs. However, some cases also described psychotic episodes in subjects without these previous characteristics. Overall, the incidence of such episodes appears to be rare in both the ritual and the recreational/noncontrolled settings. Performance of a psychiatric screening before administration of these drugs, and other hallucinogens, in controlled settings seems to significantly reduce the possibility of adverse reactions with psychotic symptomatology. Individuals with a personal or family history of any psychotic illness or nonpsychotic mania should avoid hallucinogen intake.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 271-278
Author(s):  
Charlene HL Wong ◽  
Tobias Sundberg ◽  
Vincent CH Chung ◽  
Petra Voiss ◽  
Holger Cramer

Abstract Background In the USA, colorectal cancer is among the top diagnosed cancers. The current study specifically targets the US adult population that have a history of colorectal cancer. Methods We used the 2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to investigate the prevalence and predictors of colorectal cancer survivors using complementary medicine in the past 12 months in a representative sample of the US population (N = 26,742). We descriptively analyzed the 12-month prevalence of any complementary medicine use separately for individuals with a prior diagnosis of colorectal cancer and those without. Using chi-squared tests and backward stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses, we identified predictors of complementary medicine use in the past 12 months. Results A weighted total of 1,501,481 US adults (0.6%) had a history of colorectal cancer. More individuals without (weighted n = 76,550,503; 31.2%) than those with a history of colorectal cancer (weighted n = 410,086; 27.3%) had used complementary medicine. The most commonly used complementary medicine among colorectal cancer patients was mind-body medicine, followed by chiropractic. A higher prevalence of complementary medicine use was associated with being female, higher educated and/or living in the US Midwest or South. Conclusions In this study, over one fourth of the US colorectal cancer survivors had used complementary medicine. Mind-body medicine was found to be the most commonly used. With evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of mind-body medicine use among colorectal cancer patients, promoting the use of evidence-based mind-body medicine for colorectal cancer management could be considered.


Gut ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 553-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
S R Brown ◽  
P J Finan ◽  
L Cawkwell ◽  
P Quirke ◽  
D T Bishop

Background—Replication errors (RERs) characterise tumours of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). RER status may therefore improve identification of such families previously diagnosed by family history alone.Aims—To assess RER and HNPCC frequency within a population of colorectal cancer patients and a regional population of family history defined (Amsterdam criteria) HNPCC families.Methods—Family history was assessed by personal interview in a population of 479 patients with colorectal cancer attending one follow up clinic. Seven fluorescently labelled microsatellites were used to investigate RER frequency in colorectal cancers from 89 patients of this population with varying degrees of family history and 20 Amsterdam criteria positive families (four with a known germline mutation, 16 with unknown mutation status) from the regional population.Results—Only four of the follow up population (0.8%) came from families meeting the Amsterdam criteria with only one showing RERs. The frequency of RERs was similar in the early onset cancer group (less than 50 years of age), those with a family history, and those with no family history of colorectal cancer. From the regional population, RERs were identified in 4/4 families with a mutation but only 8/16 families with unknown mutation status.Conclusions—No correlation was seen between RER status and strength of family history except in HNPCC families. Results also indicate that half of the Amsterdam criteria defined families do not exhibit RERs, perhaps suggesting a different mechanism of tumorigenesis.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 587-587
Author(s):  
B. T. Samuelson ◽  
E. K. Fromme ◽  
J. Waller ◽  
C. R. Thomas

587 Background: Therapy for GI malignancies has long been known to have a marked impact on quality of life, yet this relationship remains poorly understood. Methods: A retrospective, IRB-approved chart review was performed of 722 patients receiving RT for any cancer diagnosis between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2008. Subjects completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G) questionnaire before and after RT. Pre- and immediately post-RT course scores were compared using student t-tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (5 comparisons, alpha =.01). Results: 722 of 1369 (52.7%) possible patients participated in the database. Complete pre and post RT spirituality data were available for 73 (64.6%) patients with GI malignancies. Average age was 62 years, 58 (79%) were male and 52 (71%) received definitive treatment. 27 (37%) had esophageal or gastric cancer, 22 (30%) had colorectal cancer and 24 (33%) had other GI malignancies such as pancreatic or hepatobiliary. Colorectal cancer patients fared better in overall QOL as compared to esophageal and gastric patients, pancreatic and hepatobiliary patients and patients with GI malignancies as a whole, and were the only group in which decline in overall QOL as measured by the FACT-G (77.22 to 73.08, p=0.216) did not reach or approach significance. This appeared to be largely driven by differences in physical and especially functional well-being, in which colorectal patients demonstrated the smallest decline (16.14 to 15.59, p=0.466) of any group. Colorectal patients did, however, demonstrate a larger decline in physical well-being (22.35 to 18.05, p=0.010) and overall QOL than did all-comers with any primary malignancy (22.1 to 19.4, p<.001) and (81.3 to 78.9, p<.001) respectively. Conclusions: Physical and functional well-being, as well as overall quality of life are known to decline in patients with GI malignancies. Patients with colorectal disease appear to fare better than those with esophageal, stomach, pancreatic or hepatobiliary malignancies by these measures. Additional investigations are warranted to further define these differences. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1579-1579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohini Khorana Hernandez ◽  
Vera Ehrenstein ◽  
Merete Lund Mægbæk ◽  
Alexander Liede ◽  
Henrik Toft Sørensen

1579 Background: There are no published population-based studies on the incidence of bone metastases (BM) among children with cancer. The current literature is limited to small case series or case reports. Methods: We used the Danish Cancer Registry (DCR) to identify children <18 years old diagnosed with cancer between 1/1/1994 and 12/31/2009. Patients were followed from cancer diagnosis to BM, emigration, death, or end of study (1/1/2011). DCR data were linked to (1) Danish Civil Registration System to obtain information on death and emigration, and (2) Danish National Registry of Patients to identify ICD-10 codes for BM. We estimated incidence rates (IRs) of BM and mortality rates overall and stratified by gender, calendar year, age, and primary tumor type. Results: During the study period, 2,652 children were identified with a first-time diagnosis of cancer, of whom 35 (1.3%) developed BM (mean follow-up of 7.0 years). The IR of BM was 1.9 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI: 1.4 – 2.6); the highest rates occurred in children aged 12 – 17 years and among those with osteosarcoma (Table). Twenty-one (60%) children with BM died during follow-up, yielding a mortality rate of 192 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI: 125 – 295). The median time from cancer diagnosis to BM was 221 days and from BM to death was 283 days. Conclusions: This study represents the first comprehensive examination of BM in children and reveals that BM is a rare event, with median survival of less than one year from diagnosis. [Table: see text]


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