Lacrimal sac metastases from renal cell carcinoma.

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.