[An orbital metastasis as the presentation of lung adenocarcinoma]

Abstract

Introduction: Metastasis of primary tumours can involve the orbit via the blood stream. In 19% of cases this type of metastasis is the first oncologic symptom.

Case report: A 42-year-old woman with a hard, well-defined nodule situated anteriorly in the right orbit and with mild associated inflammation. MR showed an oval image with homogeneous gadolinium uptake. On excision-biopsy a ductal cancer was found and determined on CAT scan to be of pulmonary origin. Chemotherapy was given and no recurrence occurred in the orbit.

Conclusion: Ophthalmologic examination was the first step in the diagnosis of a metastasis of adenocarcinoma of the lung.