A rare case of palatin tonsillar metastasis from small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Tonsillar metastases are absolutely rare. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is known to be the most frequent histological type of tonsillar metastases, however the way of tumor cells spreading to tonsil remains controversial. We described a case report of 76-year-old man with SCLC and tonsillar metastases, to highlight the importance of oral cavity evaluation as a part of a clinical exam and to show the rare tumor cells spreading. We reported a case of synchronous tonsillar metastases in a SCLC patient with a similar survival compared to patients previously evaluated. For the purpose of a complete staging in cancer patients, especially in those with SCLC, we would highlight the importance of oral cavity evaluation as a part of a clinical exam. Keywords AcknowledgementsNone. Footnote Conflicts of Interest:The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Canine tonsillar neoplasia and tonsillar metastasis from various primary neoplasms

“…23 Human tonsillar metastasis most commonly occurs secondary to pulmonary neoplasia, gastrointestinal neoplasia, renal neoplasia, melanoma, breast cancer and rarely colorectal cancer. [24][25][26][27][28][29][30] In our study, metastasis to the tonsils from distant primary tumours was also uncommon in dogs, with only 9% of tonsillar neoplasia in this study being presumed metastatic. This was most common with melanoma, followed by carcinomas, hemangiosarcoma and a variety of other tumour types.…”

“…In humans, 0.8% of tonsillar neoplasia is considered metastatic 23 . Human tonsillar metastasis most commonly occurs secondary to pulmonary neoplasia, gastrointestinal neoplasia, renal neoplasia, melanoma, breast cancer and rarely colorectal cancer 24‐30 . In our study, metastasis to the tonsils from distant primary tumours was also uncommon in dogs, with only 9% of tonsillar neoplasia in this study being presumed metastatic.…”

Metastasis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma to the palatine tonsil

“…There are different theories discussed about the way of cancer cell spreading. Retrograde lymphatic as well as haematogenous cell movement to the palatine tonsils are possible (13). It is assumed that cancer cells spread most frequently haematogenously via blood vessels to the palatine tonsils (4).…”