EP255 - Colonic Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Abdominal Wall Necrosis

Purpose/Background: Colorectal cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. While typical presentations include gastrointestinal symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, anemia, and hematochezia, colorectal cancer can also present atypically, including direct invasion of adjacent structures such as the abdominal wall.

Methods/Interventions: This report details a rare case of cecal adenocarcinoma manifesting as rapidly progressive abdominal wall necrosis in a 43-year-old female.

Results/Outcomes: It highlights the diagnostic challenge and underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for underlying malignancy in atypical clinical scenarios.

Conclusion/Discussion: The case also illustrates the complexity of balancing wound care, infection control, and oncologic management to optimize patient outcomes.

Abdominal Wall Necrosis
Anterior abdominal wounds with necrotic features and surrounding erythema secondary to invasive colonic adenocarcinoma.

CT Image of Colonic Malignancy
CT scan with IV contrast: axial image showing an inflamed colon with mass-like thickening of the cecum concerning for primary colonic malignancy contiguous with the abdominal wall fluid collection and subcutaneous emphysema.