Lacrimal Sac Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose: To report the first case of metastasis from renal cell carcinoma to the lacrimal sac and review the therapeutic options. Methods: We have reviewed the case of a woman who was operated on for a renal cell carcinoma that developed epiphora and a lacrimal sac tumor, which corresponded to a metastasis from her previous tumor. Although renal cell carcinoma shows a great tendency for distant metastasis, this is the first reported case of metastasis to the lacrimal sac. Results: We comment on the rarity of the case and on the therapeutic alternatives for these cases according to the reviewed literature. Conclusion: Metastasis to the lacrimal sac are rather infrequent and should be borne in mind on the appearance of a tumor in this location in people with a history of malignancy.

KEYWORDS:

• Lacrimal sac
• renal tumors
• metastasis