FOLFOX and capecitabine-induced hepatic granuloma mimicking metastasis in a rectal cancer patient

Abstract

A 49-year-old male carcinoma rectum patient was treated with neoadjuvant FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine, surgery and adjuvant FOLFOX. On follow-up, the patient developed a metabolically active liver lesion mimicking metastasis. Liver biopsy and histopathology showed sinusoidal dilatation with non-caseating granulomas. Follow-up fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography CT scan demonstrated increase in size of the lesion with metabolic activity suspicious of metastasis. The patient underwent segmental liver resection and histopathology showed non-necrotising granuloma with no evidence of malignancy. It is crucial to consider potential side effects of chemotherapeutic agents and have an unbiased approach when evaluating new liver lesions during post treatment follow-up of colorectal cancer. A multidisciplinary tumour board approach comprising of gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and surgeons is suggested in the management of such patients. The patient is currently doing well and on regular follow-up.