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Cutaneous Metastatic Rectal Carcinoma Masquerading as Herpes Zoster SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL Eichinger, J., George, B., Myhand, R. 2011; 104 (3): 233-235

Abstract

A 78-year-old female with locally recurrent rectal carcinoma and hepatic metastases presented with new skin lesions. She had multiple painful skin lesions over her groin area initially treated as contact dermatitis. The lesions continued to spread to include the lower abdomen and developed a zosteriform appearance. She was referred to dermatology, where shave biopsies revealed metastatic rectal carcinoma. This case is unique as the patient had rapidly growing zosteriform cutaneous metastases from rectal carcinoma, which has rarely been reported. Physicians providing care to patients with a history of cancer should maintain a high clinical suspicion for cutaneous metastases in patients with new or evolving skin conditions.

View details for DOI 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e31820bfd04

View details for Web of Science ID 000287473400015

View details for PubMedID 21297531