Metastatic breast cancer to the rectum: A case report with emphasis on MRI features. Issue 17 (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lau, Li Ching; Wee, Bernard; Wang, Shi; Thian, Yee Liang
• Other Names: Nath. Kavindra section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 96:Issue 17(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: breast cancer -- gastrointestinal tract -- metastasis -- MRI -- rectum; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000006739
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract: Rationale: Less than 1% of breast carcinomas metastasize to the gastrointestinal tract. The diagnosis is frequently not recognized especially when the history of breast carcinoma is remote. Patient concerns: A 61-year-old female with a remote history of breast carcinoma presented with a 3-month history of change in bowel habits. Colonoscopy showed a circumferential rectal mass with initial impression of primary rectal cancer. MRI of the rectum showed findings that are atypical for primary rectal cancer. Diagnoses: Deep biopsy of the rectal mass confirmed lobular breast carcinoma metastasis to the rectum. Intervention and outcomes: The patient was treated with radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. She is symptomatically well 2 years after presentation and remains on hormonal therapy. Lessons: Lobular breast cancer which metastasizes to the rectum can mimic primary rectal cancer clinically. The unique MRI features described in our case when present with a concordant history of lobular breast carcinoma should alert the radiologist to the possibility of this diagnosis which has important treatment implications.