[Skeletal muscle metastasis of rectal carcinoma--a case report]

Skeletal muscle metastasis of carcinoma is comparatively rare. We report a case of metastasis to the quadriceps femoris muscle after the operation for rectal carcinoma. A 70-year-old man underwent rectal amputation in May 2007 due to rectal carcinoma. In May 2008, he noticed a painful tumor in the right femoral region. We obtained the diagnosis of recurrent rectal carcinoma by open biopsy. Simultaneously, lung metastasis was revealed by a close examination. Metastatic tumor resection was performed before chemotherapy, because it was important to preserve his performance status. From June 2008, chemotherapy was started. A year after the second operation, lung metastatic lesions were gradually progressed. At present, new skeletal muscle metastasis is not found. He is receiving chemotherapy in outpatient care. The resection of skeletal muscle metastasis made a contribution to his quality of life.