Skeletal muscle metastasis from colorectal adenocarcinoma: A literature review

Abstract

BACKGROUND Colorectal adenocarcinoma is the third most common cancer worldwide. It accounts for almost 10% of all cancer-related deaths. Skeletal muscle is a very unusual site for metastasis from colorectal cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality. AIM To review the literature for cases of skeletal muscle metastasis (SMM) from colorectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS A systematic literature search using a validated search strategy was carried out to identify the incidence of SMM associated with colorectal adenocarcinoma. The studies identified were tabulated in a PRISMA, and data was extracted in a tabulated form. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies were included in this literature review. SMM was most commonly detected in the thigh muscles. Most of the tumours had originated from the rectum or the right colon. The histopathology of the primary tumour was generally advanced. The mean time interval between the primary tumour and onset of SMM was 22 mo. In 3 cases, asymptomatic SMM had been picked up by advanced imaging systems, like fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scan. CONCLUSION SMM from colorectal adenocarcinomas is a rare complication. However, it is possible that the low incidence could be due to under-reporting. Early use of advanced imaging techniques and a high index of clinical suspicion might increase the reporting of SMM from colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Primary rectal adenocarcinoma with musculoskeletal metastasis as the only metastasis site: A case report with a short literature review

“…Since 1970, only 30 cases of SMM originating from colorectal adenocarcinomas have been documented. In addition, the prevalence of SMM in patients with colorectal cancer is provided as 0.028% [1] .…”

“…Skeletal muscle metastasis is typically a consequence of systemic spread of cancer, indicating advanced disease and often associated with an overall poor prognosis. Overall, the prognosis is driven by the primary carcinoma [ 1 , 2 , 8 ].…”

“…Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer on a global scale, with over 1.8 million new cases reported in 2018 [1] . The metastasis of colorectal cancer can occur through various pathways, including lymphatic, hematogenous, and direct spread.…”

“…The liver, lungs, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and bones are the most common sites for secondary cancer growth. The occurrence of metastasis in skeletalmuscles from any type of cancer is exceedingly rare, this rarity can be attributed to the unfavorable conditions for tumor growth within muscle tissue [ 1 , 2 ]. The management approach for such cases is not well-established, and the prognosis remains uncertain [3] .…”