Local duodenal metastasis from colonic carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Isolated duodenal metastases can present with clinical and radiologic features resembling primary pancreatic or duodenal malignancies.
• Understanding lymphatic drainage patterns is crucial for diagnosing metastatic disease.

Observation:

• Right colon cancer commonly spreads via lymphatics to periduodenal lymph nodes.
• This lymphatic spread can lead to duodenal loop enlargement, mucosal ulceration, and medial duodenal distortion.

Findings:

• Three cases of ulcerating duodenal metastases originating from colon cancer are presented.
• The findings underscore the diagnostic difficulties associated with these rare presentations.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of duodenal metastases from colon cancer is essential for appropriate patient management.
• Radiologists and gastroenterologists should consider colon cancer as a potential source of duodenal lesions.