Hematogenous metastases to the stomach: a review of 67 cases

Article Abstract:

Metastatic spread of cancer to the stomach would appear to be quite rare, on the basis of reports in the medical literature. To evaluate the frequency of blood-borne spread of cancer to the stomach, endoscopic and autopsy findings were reviewed. Cancers such as pancreatic cancer, which may invade the stomach directly, were not considered. Of 7,327 autopsies, 1,951 involved nonhematologic malignancies. In 57 cases, metastatic tumors were found in the stomach. This suggests that the rate of metastatic spread to the stomach is significantly higher than has been previously reported. An overall incidence of 0.7 percent was observed in this study, as compared to 0.2 percent reported in other series. Consistent with previous reports is the finding that lung cancer is the most common metastasis to the stomach. Although breast cancer represents a common source of metastasis to the stomach, in this study of Veterans Administration patients, there was an underrepresentation of breast cancer. Since gastric metastases may create the first symptoms of disease, it is important that they be used to identify the primary tumor. The gastric metastases may themselves create serious medical problems, including bleeding and outlet obstruction. In addition, chemotherapy in patients with unrecognized stomach metastases may result in tumor necrosis followed by perforation of the stomach and rapid death. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Cancer, Stomach cancer

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Cranial nerve lesions due to base of the skull metastases in prostate carcinoma

Article Abstract:

Cancer of the prostate is the second most common cancer in men and is responsible for over 25,000 deaths annually. Occasionally, metastatic spread to the skull produces cranial nerve lesions and consequent nerve palsies. A review of the cases of the Mayo Clinic revealed a total of 14 patients with metastatic spread to the head, 11 of which unequivocally involved cranial nerve palsies due to metastatic tumor. Generally, involvement of the cranial nerve is a consequence of disease spread, and follows the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer by a median of 4 years. In two cases, cranial nerve palsies were the first symptoms of disease and the prostate tumors were only identified subsequently. Curiously, the two patients for whom the cranial nerve palsies were the presenting symptoms were the only patients who remained alive after 42 and 84 months; of the remaining patients, one survived 17 months and eight survived less than eight months. Although cranial nerve palsy due to metastatic prostate carcinoma is rare, it should be considered as a possibility in middle-aged and elderly male patients even if there is no history of prostatic cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Bone diseases, Prostate cancer, Nervous system diseases

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Bone metastases in hypernephroma: frequency of scapular involvement

Article Abstract:

Hypernephroma (cancer of kidney cells) is increasing in incidence, and is frequently detected by problems associated with metastasis (spread of cancer outside the original tumor site). The pattern of metastasis from hypernephroma is unusual in that it frequently includes formation of large tumors on the scapula (shoulder blade). The occurrence of scapular metastases in hypernephroma was characterized and compared to that associated with breast cancer. Of 95 patients, 15 had scapular tumors, many of which were large and palpable. The tumors were frequently painful, although the pain was diminished by radiation. Metastases occurred in other bony sites, but these were similar to bony metastases in other cancers, being smaller and present at multiple sites. The cause for the association between hypernephroma and scapular tumors is not known, and may be related to venous circulation from the kidney (since two thirds of scapular tumors were on the same side as kidney tumors), or to some characteristic of scapular bone which favors kidney tumor cell growth. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Kidney cancer

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