Solitary pancreatic metastasis from a primary colonic tumor detected by PET scan: report of a case.

Abstract

A case of a solitary pancreatic metastasis from a primary colonic carcinoma is reported. The history and use of carcinoembryonic antigen, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography in this case and the follow-up of colorectal cancer are reviewed. Recurrent disease was suspected by an increasing carcinoembryonic antigen level. However, conventional imaging with computed tomography on more than one occasion failed to identify any recurrence. The pancreatic metastasis was accurately localized by positron emission tomography scanning and confirmed on subsequent laparotomy. A histologically complete resection was performed and the patient remained in remission with a normal carcinoembryonic antigen 12 months postoperatively. This case reports an unusual site of solitary metastasis in colorectal cancer and supports the further investigation of positron emission tomography in follow-up of colorectal cancer.