Iris Metastasis in a Patient With Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report

Abstract

IntroductionSmall cell carcinoma constitutes the most aggressive type of lung cancer, with the greatest propensity for early disseminated disease. Although commonly neglected due to its rarity and the presence of other comorbidities, cases of iris metastasis from small cell lung cancer have been reported in the literature.Case PresentationWe present the case of a 76-year-old female. Once diagnosed, the patient already had disseminated disease with metastatic foci found in the spleen, liver, and brain. The patient received six cycles of combination carboplatin/etoposide chemotherapy, followed by cranial irradiation. After an initial response, two months after the completion of cranial irradiation, the patient complained of visual impairment and was referred to an ophthalmologist. A diagnosis of secondary glaucoma was made, caused by metastasis to the left iris.ConclusionsPhysicians should be aware of this rare site of metastasis. Early diagnosis is of paramount importance in order to effectively prevent the significant morbidity this condition can cause if left untreated.

Bilateral Iris Metastasis in a Patient with Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: A Case Report

“…The brain, liver, adrenal glands, and bone are among the most frequently metastasized sites of SCLC ( 13 ). Despite the high metastasis rate of SCLC, there are limited number of reports in the literature regarding iris metastases in SCLC patients ( 14 - 16 ).…”

Small Cell Lung Cancer Presenting as a Benign Subcutaneous Mass on the Frontotemporal Region

“…Moreover Delgadillo et al [17] diagnosed SCLC metastasis with excisional biopsy from the right 3 rd metatarsal bone of a 42 year old non-smoker patient. Sakellakis et al [18] reported iris metastasis of SCLC on a patient receiving chemotherapy and radiotheraphy for SCLC. Furthermore tonsillar metastasis of SCLC was mentioned on previous literatures multiple times [19][20][21].…”

Simultaneous Retinal and Iris Metastases in Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

“…The choroid is the most common site for ocular metastasis from lung cancer [3,7]. The most common site of ocular metastases from SCLC is iris [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. One case of choroidal metastasis from SCLC was found [17].…”