Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Masquerading as Acute Diverticulitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Diverticulitis is a common cause of acute abdominal pain.
• Colorectal cancer is a known mimic of acute diverticulitis.
• Extracolonic malignancies can metastasize to the colon.

Observation:

• A 71-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, initially diagnosed as acute diverticulitis.
• Colonoscopy revealed no evidence of diverticular disease.
• The patient was diagnosed with metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma to the colon.

Findings:

• Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma can present with symptoms mimicking acute diverticulitis.
• A history of extracolonic malignancy increases suspicion for metastatic disease.
• Diagnostic colonoscopy is crucial to differentiate between primary colonic disease and metastatic deposits.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider metastatic disease in the differential diagnosis of suspected diverticulitis, particularly in patients with a history of cancer.
• Early recognition of metastatic colonic disease is vital for appropriate patient management and treatment.
• This case underscores the importance of thorough investigation in patients presenting with seemingly common gastrointestinal conditions but with atypical features or relevant medical history.