Metastatic tumors to the head and neck are uncommon. We report a case of renal cell carcinoma that presented as an epidermal inclusion cyst on the forehead. The forehead is an exceedingly uncommon site for renal cell metastases. We review the biology of tumor metastases and explore the pathways by which infraclavicular tumors spread to the head and neck. We then discuss the clinical appearance and management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
FidlerIJ. The biology of renal cancer metastasis. Semin Urol1992; 10: 3–11.
2.
HirshbergABuchnerA. Metastatic tumours to the oral region: An overview. Eur J Cancer B Oral Oncol1995; 31B: 355–60.
3.
MochimatsuITsukudaMFurukawaSSawakiS. Tumours metastasizing to the head and neck: A report of seven cases. J Laryngol Otol1993; 107: 1171–3.
4.
NicolaiPPuxedduRCappielloJMetastatic neoplasms to the larynx: Report of three cases. Laryngoscope1996; 106: 851–5.
5.
WanamakerJRKrausDHEliacharILavertuP. Manifestations of metastatic breast carcinoma to the head and neck. Head Neck1993; 15: 257–62.
6.
SomPMNortonKIShugarJMAMetastatic hypernephroma to the head and neck. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol1987; 8: 1103–6.
7.
FyfeGFisherRIRosenbergSASznolMParkinsonDRLouieAC. Results of treatment of 255 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who received high-dose recombinant interleukin-2 therapy. J Clin Oncol1995; 13: 688–96.
8.
al-KassabBMFosterME. Recurrent facial metastasis from renal-cell carcinoma: Review of the literature and case report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg1995; 53: 74–7.
9.
BatsakisJG. Metastatic neoplasms to and from the head and neck. In: Tumors of the head and neck: clinical and pathological considerations.2nd ed.Baltimore, Md: Williams & Wilkins, 1979: 240–51.
10.
SesennaETullioAPiazzaA. Treatment of craniofacial metastasis of a renal adenocarcinoma: Report of case and review of literature. J Oral Maxillofac Surg1995; 53: 187–93.
11.
VaughanWCSnydermanNL. Head and neck manifestations of renal cell carcinoma. J Ark Med Soc1986; 83: 117–9.
RackleyRNovickAKleinEBukowskiRMcLainDGoldfarbD. The impact of adjuvant nephrectomy on multi-modality treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. J Urol1994; 152(5 Pt 1): 1399–403.
14.
EilerhorstJAKilbournRGAmatoRJZukiwskiAAJonesELogothetisCJ. Phase II trial of low dose γ-interferon in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. J Urol1994; 152: 841–5.
15.
BrageMESimonMA. Evaluation, prognosis and medical treatment considerations of metastatic bone tumors. Orthopedics1992; 15: 589–96.