Isolated Inguinal Lymph Node Metastasis from Colon Cancer: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Gastrointestinal Oncology

Background:

• Colon cancer typically spreads via mesenteric lymphatics.
• Inguinal lymph node metastasis from colon cancer is exceptionally rare, with limited case reports.
• Understanding rare metastatic pathways is crucial for comprehensive cancer management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of isolated, metachronous inguinal lymph node metastasis from sigmoid colon cancer.
• To investigate the potential route of spread in this unusual presentation.
• To discuss optimal management strategies for such rare cases.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 35-year-old female with sigmoid cancer history.
• Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment.
• Surgical management involving left inguinal lymph node dissection.
• Hypothesized route of spread analysis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with isolated left inguinal lymph node metastasis 7 years after initial sigmoid cancer treatment.
• The hypothesized mechanism of spread involved the round ligament.
• Surgical resection and lymph node dissection were performed.

Conclusions:

• Isolated inguinal lymph node metastasis from colon cancer is a rare event.
• The round ligament may serve as an unusual pathway for metastasis.
• Surgical resection with inguinal lymph node dissection, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, is the recommended treatment.
• Long-term follow-up data is necessary to validate this treatment approach.