Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction:
Adenocarcinomas are malignant tumors that originate from mucus-secreting glandular cells within the epithelial layer of the mucosa. The sigmoid colon is a frequent primary site for these tumors, which commonly arise from precancerous adenomatous polyps that gradually become malignant through progressive dysplastic changes. Adenocarcinomas of the sigmoid colon may metastasize through lymphatic or hematogenous pathways to distant organs, resulting in significant structural and functional alterations. The current case highlights extensive morphological changes that can occur with advanced metastatic adenocarcinoma.
Methods:
A 58-year-old African American female with documented metastatic adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon was dissected during a routine gross anatomy laboratory. Organs within the abdominal, pelvic, and thoracic cavities were photographed to document metastatic spread of the cancer. Permissions to utilize the collected data for presentation as a case report were obtained from the PCOM body donation program.
Results:
The liver demonstrated marked enlargement with extensive tumor nodules and abundant fascial adhesions, resulting in severe distortion of normal hepatic architecture. Additional metastatic lesions were identified in both lungs, both kidneys, both adrenal glands, and the right ovary.
Discussion:
This case highlights the extensive anatomical changes associated with metastatic colorectal cancer and illustrates the value of cadaveric dissection in correlating pathological disease processes with gross anatomical findings.
Embargo Period
6-1-2026
Included in
Gross anatomical manifestations of metastatic sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma observed during cadaveric dissection
Suwanee, GA
Introduction:
Adenocarcinomas are malignant tumors that originate from mucus-secreting glandular cells within the epithelial layer of the mucosa. The sigmoid colon is a frequent primary site for these tumors, which commonly arise from precancerous adenomatous polyps that gradually become malignant through progressive dysplastic changes. Adenocarcinomas of the sigmoid colon may metastasize through lymphatic or hematogenous pathways to distant organs, resulting in significant structural and functional alterations. The current case highlights extensive morphological changes that can occur with advanced metastatic adenocarcinoma.
Methods:
A 58-year-old African American female with documented metastatic adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon was dissected during a routine gross anatomy laboratory. Organs within the abdominal, pelvic, and thoracic cavities were photographed to document metastatic spread of the cancer. Permissions to utilize the collected data for presentation as a case report were obtained from the PCOM body donation program.
Results:
The liver demonstrated marked enlargement with extensive tumor nodules and abundant fascial adhesions, resulting in severe distortion of normal hepatic architecture. Additional metastatic lesions were identified in both lungs, both kidneys, both adrenal glands, and the right ovary.
Discussion:
This case highlights the extensive anatomical changes associated with metastatic colorectal cancer and illustrates the value of cadaveric dissection in correlating pathological disease processes with gross anatomical findings.