Abscess of the abdominal wall resulting from perforated ascending colon cancer

We report an unusual case of abscess of the abdominal wall as the initial symptom of a perforated right-sided colon cancer in a 62-year old man. Clinical examination revealed a non-fluctuating, tender, firm mass approximately 7 x 5 cm in diameter with overlying cellulitis in the right loin. Abdominal examination showed a fixed mass on the right side of the abdomen. Computed tomography (CT scan) confirmed the presence of a mass arising from the right colon with infiltration of the subcutaneous tissue by this intra-abdominal mass. Right hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection and en-bloc partial resection of the adherent parietal wall was performed and the final pathology showed a moderately differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma. We report a case of ascending colon cancer presenting by an abscess of the abdominal wall.