Solitary bone metastasis in the tibia as a presenting sign of endometrial adenocarcinoma: a case report and the review of the literature

Clin Exp Metastasis. 2007;24(2):87-92. doi: 10.1007/s10585-007-9061-2. Epub 2007 Mar 16.

Abstract

Background: Metastasis to bone from endometrial adenocarcinoma is rare, when metastasises it usually locates in axial skeleton. Metastasis to extremities is extremely rare. Additionally the detection of the bone metastasis as a presenting feature is uncommon. In the present study we report the 10th cases of bone metastasis in the literature which located at tibial diaphysis and originated from endometrial adenocarcinoma as a presenting feature of the primary disease.

Case: Single tibial lesion was observed in a 70 years old woman. Biopsy confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma of the unknown origin. We couldn't find the primary origin with aggressive work-up. Tibial lesion regressed with radiotherapy. Endometrial adenocarcinoma is detected after the end of disease-free one year with the symptom of vaginal bleeding. After 47 months from initial tibial lesion and 35 months from gynaecologic operation, patient is still alive and disease free.

Discussion: Patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma presenting an isolated skeletal metastasis may exhibit an unusual group with a better prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Aged
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tibia / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibia / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed