Metastatic infiltration of adenocarcinoma of the rectum in hard palate: Report of a case and a review of the literature

A 72 year-old male, seven years later the first diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma, referred a trouble in hard palate. Clinical examination evidenced a whitish coloured projecting area, not painful at palpation and with the largest diameter of 2 cm. The first biopsy suggested a neoplastic lesion but it was not resolutive for diagnosis. Another biopsy was executed. The second histological report evidenced a neoplastic infiltration of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, with mucinous aspects and necrosis. Immunophenotype was compatible with diagnosis of metastasis of adenocarcinoma originated from large bowel. The pathological diagnosis was confirmed by a second pathologist. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.