Unmasking hidden metastasis: A case report of gastrointestinal metastasis detected a decade after breast cancer diagnosis

作者：Jie Peng, Ye Liu, Yiheng Zhang, Haiyuan Yang, Guoxin Sun, Lichao Zhu, Yating Zhao · 发表于：Medicine · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1097/md.0000000000043893 · 被引用次数：4 · 研究领域：Metastasis and carcinoma case studies、Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment、Gastric Cancer Management and Outcomes

RATIONALE: Breast cancer is among the most common malignancies in women, and metastasis significantly impacts survival and quality of life. Although many patients remain disease-free in the early years after surgery and adjuvant therapy, occult metastasis remains a major clinical concern. While bone, lung, and liver are common metastatic sites, gastrointestinal involvement is rare and often overlooked. Recent evidence suggests that late-stage occult metastasis can develop even after long disease-free intervals. Early detection is vital for optimizing treatment and improving prognosis. Therefore, gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss in breast cancer patients warrant prompt imaging and endoscopic evaluation. PATIENT CONCERNS: This case report describes a 49-year-old woman with invasive lobular breast carcinoma who, after nearly 11 years of recurrence-free survival, presented with constipation and weight loss. Imaging and endoscopy revealed gastric and rectal metastases, underscoring the risk of occult metastasis in breast cancer. This case highlights the importance of considering age and treatment history when developing personalized management strategies and emphasizes early detection and intervention to improve outcomes and quality of life. DIAGNOSES: Computed tomography revealed thickening of the gastric antrum and rectal wall, resulting in luminal narrowing. A comprehensive flexible colonoscopy was performed, and...