[Atypical presentation of a colorectal carcinoma]

Rev Med Chil. 2004 Aug;132(8):985-8. doi: 10.4067/s0034-98872004000800011.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

We report a 67 years old male with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis at the age of 15, that consults for malaise, weight loss and productive cough. Chest X ray examination showed a left pleural effusion. A pleural tap obtained a sterile exudate. A thorax CAT scan showed a proliferating mass in the splenic angle of the colon, with left lung and diaphragmatic invasion. Endoscopic biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent a subtotal colectomy with partial excision of diaphragm and left lung. The pathological report showed a mucosecretory adenocarcinoma, infiltrating the pericolonic adipose tissue without adjacent organ infiltration and a chronic inflammatory process involving colonic serosa, diaphragm pleura, and lung. Adjuvant chemotherapy was indicated and the patient is asymptomatic and without evidences of tumor recurrence after a 24 months follow up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous* / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous* / surgery
  • Aged
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Diaphragm* / pathology
  • Diaphragm* / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Male
  • Muscle Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Muscle Neoplasms / surgery
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness