Colorectal breast carcinoma metastasis diagnosed as an obstructive colonic primary tumor. A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Common sites of colorectal breast carcinoma metastasis are bones, lungs, the central nervous system and the liver. Metastases in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are rare and especially involve the stomach rather than the colon. Clinical or radiological features usually cannot differentiate them from a primary colorectal tumor, resulting in inappropriate treatment. In some cases, this lesion suggests multifocal spread of breast cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Colorectal breast cancer metastasis is a rare finding and there is no consensus on the management of these lesions. The present case report describes a 69-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer presenting as an obstructive tumor of the transverse colon.