Cutaneous metastases of signet cell carcinoma of the rectum without accompanying visceral involvement.

Cutaneous metastasis of rectal carcinoma is a rare event. It occurs in fewer than 4% of all patients with rectal cancer. Although skin metastasis of rectal cancer is usually detected around surgical scars or on the abdominal wall, especially in the periumbilical region, it rarely presents at other sites. The early diagnosis of skin metastases in these patients is very important because it can alter treatment. A case of signet cell carcinoma of the rectum with cutaneous metastases without accompanying visceral involvement is presented, occurring 14 months after completion of adjuvant therapy.