Colonic Carcinoma Presenting with Axillary Lymphadenopathy-A Very Rare Clinical Entity

Dr R. Ramesh Reddy, Dr. Pranabandhu Das, Dr N Rukmangadha, Dr B. Manilal, Dr. T. C. Kalawat, Dr. A. Y. Lakshmi

Abstract: The most common sites of colon cancer metastasis are regional lymph nodes, liver and lungs. Axillary lymph node metastasis from colon cancer is an extremely rare clinical event being encountered in oncology practice. This scarcity of reports in English literature is therefore poses challenges in understanding its pathogenesis and thus hinders in implementation of appropriate management. We present here a case of right sided colonc carcinoma in a middle aged male patient presented with left sided axillary lymphadenopathy. FNAC showed metastatic adenocarcinomatous deposits. Following ultrasonography of abdomen and later colonoscopy guided biopsy of polypoidal growth at right hepatic flexure of colon was confirmed as signet ring cell carcinoma of colon. Patient underwent palliative hemicolectomy and was offered palliative chemotherapy and was treated later with palliative radiotherapy to the painful left axillary and supraclavicular swelling. He had achieved symptomatic relief from pain and tightness after radiotherapy and advised supportive and symptomatic care at home.

Keywords: colonic cancer, axillary lymphadenopathy