Metastatic Crohn’s disease (MCD) is a rare and complex type of Crohn’s disease that extends beyond the gastrointestinal tract. It involves inflammatory lesions spreading to parts of the body, such as the skin.

Symptoms of metastatic Crohn’s disease (MCD) can include painful lesions on different parts of the skin, including the torso, limbs, face, and anal region. It differs from Crohn’s disease, which is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract.

MCD is a long-term condition, and treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of further complications.

This article examines the characteristics, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of metastatic Crohn’s disease, and answers some frequently asked questions.

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Metastatic Crohn’s disease (MCD) is a rare subtype of Crohn’s disease. Some may refer to it as cutaneous Crohn’s disease.

Up to 44% of people with Crohn’s disease experience MCD, which affects the skin. Sometimes, skin involvement can occur alongside gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or nausea.

The condition causes inflammatory lesions on the skin and other parts of the body that do not connect to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the torso, limbs, and area around the anus — the perianal region.

Experts do not completely understand how MCD develops. Some scientists believe the body’s immune system produces an atypical response and attacks the skin. Multiple factors may contribute to or cause MCD, including hypersensitivity, genetics, or bacterial infections.

Learn more about Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms of MCD vary depending on which part of the body the condition affects. MCD often presents with painful, red, swollen lesions on the skin. These lesions can resemble abscesses, ulcers, or nodules that vary in size and severity.

MCD commonly affects areas, such as the:

  • torso
  • limbs
  • face
  • genitals
  • perianal region

It can also affect areas of the body with skin folds.

Some individuals may experience additional symptoms, such as:

Diagnosing MCD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterologist or dermatologist.

Specialists may use the following tests for diagnosis:

  • medical history review
  • physical exam
  • skin biopsy, where a doctor removes a small amount of skin and sends it to the lab

MCD is known as a mimicker, meaning symptoms may be similar to other conditions. Sometimes, this means doctors may misdiagnose it.

To avoid this, they may order other tests, such as:

These specialized tests tend to look for microorganisms under the microscope that could help rule out other conditions or help confirm a diagnosis of MCD.

Treatment for MCD poses a challenge to healthcare professionals, as the condition is so rare.

According to a 2023 case study, therapeutic approaches for MCD vary widely and often yield unsatisfactory results due to a lack of understanding of what exactly causes the disease.

Generally, treatment aims to control inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications. Options may include topical and systemic medications, such as:

Individuals with severe cases may require surgery to drain abscesses, remove affected tissue, or repair fistulas. A fistula is a tunnel that connects one organ to another.

Additionally, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and psychological support can play important roles in managing MCD.

MCD can cause significant illness. The outlook for MCD can vary depending on the following factors:

  • extent and severity of the disease
  • treatment response
  • whether there are complications

With appropriate management, many people can experience a great improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

However, MCD can be chronic and unpredictable, requiring ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment regimens to achieve long-term remission and prevent disease progression.

What happens when Crohn’s disease spreads?

When Crohn’s disease spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract, it can lead to complications that affect other parts of the body, such as lesions on the skin, arthritis, and eye inflammation.

Complications may require additional treatment and close monitoring.

What is the last stage of Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease does not have recognizable stages, and it is not always possible to predict how it will develop.

There may be periods of flare-ups and remission. Crohn’s disease is chronic, meaning it is a long-term or lifelong condition. Symptoms may worsen over time, but this is not always the case for everyone.

Does Crohn’s get worse with age?

Crohn’s disease can affect individuals of any age, and the course of the disease varies from person to person.

While some may experience worsening symptoms over time, others may achieve long-term remission with appropriate management.

Metastatic Crohn’s disease is a rare form of Crohn’s disease that causes inflammatory lesions on the skin and other parts of the body away from the gastrointestinal tract. Experts do not completely understand how MCD develops.

Treatment usually focuses on treating symptoms and preventing complications. With proper management, many individuals with MCD can achieve long-term remission and have a good quality of life.

Ongoing research and advancements in treatment hold promise for better outcomes for those affected by MCD.