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Metastatic breast carcinoma presenting as persistent diarrhea
A S Gifaldi1, J G Petros, G R Wolfe
1Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth's Hospital of Boston, MA 02135.
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Metastatic breast cancer can present as colon cancer with only diarrhea. Suspect metastatic breast cancer in patients with a history of breast cancer and unexplained diarrhea, even without other symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Breast carcinoma commonly metastasizes to various organs, with colon involvement often presenting with typical gastrointestinal symptoms like pain, nausea, vomiting, and ascites.
- The clinical presentation of colon metastases from breast cancer is diverse and can mimic primary colon malignancies.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient with a history of breast cancer who presented solely with persistent diarrhea.
- The patient underwent surgery for presumed colon cancer, with pathological examination revealing metastatic breast cancer in the colon.
Findings:
- Metastatic breast cancer to the colon may present atypically with isolated diarrhea, differing from the usual symptom complex.
- This case highlights the importance of considering metastatic breast cancer in patients with a history of breast cancer and unexplained diarrhea.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for metastatic breast cancer in patients with a history of breast cancer and new-onset, unexplained diarrhea.
- Diagnostic colonoscopy with biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions, differentiating between primary colon cancer and metastatic disease.