Abdominal Wall Abscess: An Infrequent Presentation of Colon Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Colonic carcinoma has a variety of clinical presentations, however, invasion of the abdominal wall arising from the transverse colon is a rare one, as seen in this case report. Case report: 62-year-old patient with diffuse high intensity abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and an epigastric abscessed heterogeneous mass (8 x 7 x 7cm). A water-soluble contrast enema was performed, showing diverticula, absence of distal colon contrast transition and the apple core sign, compatible with transverse colon obstruction. A transverse colectomy was performed, with primary colo-colonic end-to-end anastomosis, including omentectomy and complete en-bloc resection of the affected abdominal wall area. The histopathological findings showed a transverse colon adenocarcinoma with abdominal wall invasion; all surgical margins were free of disease (R0), and 24 lymph nodes were retrieved. Patients’ recovery was successful. Discussion: Locally advanced colorectal cancers invade adjacent organs without distant metastases. They may result in abscess formation even in unusual locations like the abdominal wall, which is a rare complication (0.3 to 4%). Colon cancer diagnosis before surgery may not always be possible; and a flawed diagnosis can determine an incomplete treatment because the intraoperative macroscopic malignancy recognition is not always achievable. En-bloc resection is the gold standard treatment to accomplish a complete resection, with histologically negative margins and no residual tumor (R0). Conclusion: Colon adenocarcinoma may rarely present as an abdominal wall abscess. Image studies may include CT, radiography, etc. but the patient’s clinical status should always be prioritized; those who present abdominal obstruction with a high risk of sepsis and mortality should be offered immediate surgical treatment. En-bloc resection is the gold standard to accomplish histologically negative margins and no residual tumor.