Duodenal adenocarcinoma with skin metastasis as initial manifestation: A case report

BACKGROUND: Duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) with skin metastasis as initial manifestation is clinically rare. In this study, we report a rare case of skin metastasis of DA. CASE PRESENTATION: An 84-year-old male patient developed multiple ecchymoses on the trunk and lower extremities. Physical examination showed that the ecchymosis was dark red and had a hard texture, but showed no bulging, rupture, or tenderness. The skin biopsy implied skin metastatic adenocarcinoma. After an endoscopic duodenal biopsy, the patient was finally diagnosed with DA with skin metastasis. The patient received two courses of oral treatment of Tegafur (40 mg, bid d1–d14). However, the patient stopped taking Tegafur because of its poor effect and received Chinese medicine as a replacement treatment. Unfortunately, he was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of DA metastasis is of significant importance as prognosis of these patients is poor.