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Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma with small bowel metastasis causing bowel obstruction
Ernesto Bustinza-Linares1, Francisco Socola, Vinicius Ernani
1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Case Reports in Oncological Medicine
|December 6, 2012
Summary
This case report details the first instance of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) metastasizing to the small bowel. The rare cancer presented as a brain tumor and gastrointestinal lesions, highlighting its aggressive potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma.
- While often considered low-grade, EMC can exhibit aggressive behavior.
- Metastasis of EMC to the small bowel has not been previously documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first documented case of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) metastasizing to the small bowel.
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of this rare oncologic event.
- To contribute to the understanding of EMC's metastatic potential and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 28-year-old female with a history of chest wall EMC.
- Diagnostic workup included laboratory tests, upper and lower endoscopies, and CT scans.
- Surgical resection of brain and small bowel masses followed by histopathological analysis.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with neurological symptoms and anemia, initially attributed to gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Brain imaging revealed a large frontal mass, and subsequent CT identified small bowel and duodenal lesions.
- Pathology confirmed metastatic extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (grade 2/3) in the small bowel and mesenteric fat.
Conclusions:
- This case represents the first report of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) metastasizing to the small bowel.
- Metastatic EMC can present with diverse and potentially life-threatening manifestations, including neurological deficits.
- Further research is needed to understand the patterns and implications of EMC metastasis.
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