Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the head and neck: summary of 21 cases.
OBJECTIVE
Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the head and neck is a relatively uncommon phenomenon, but such lesions can be the initial presentation of disease. RCC should be considered a source for lesions in this region, especially in patients who have received a previous diagnosis of RCC.


METHODS
In this study, we review the presentation, management, and outcomes for 21 patients with documented metastasis of RCC to the head and neck outside the central nervous system. This study is a retrospective review of cases ascertained during a 17-year period from a large teaching hospital.


RESULTS
Of the 21 patients observed, 10 were found to have metastatic disease at the time of RCC diagnosis, involving the head and neck in 5 cases. The most common sites of head and neck metastasis were to bone (n = 6), skin and subcutaneous tissue (n = 6), and lymph nodes (n = 5).


CONCLUSIONS
This study is a reminder to consider a renal primary tumour for metastatic disease identified in the head and neck, particularly metastases with a "clear cell" histologic pattern. A head and neck metastasis may occasionally be the presenting sign in a patient with RCC, or it may follow the primary diagnosis by many years.
Langille
Gavin
G
Medical Student, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Taylor
S Mark
SM
Bullock
Martin J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies