Metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma to the larynx

Abstract

Renal clear cell metastatic carcinoma of the larynx is an extremely rare diagnosis with poor survival. The objective of this short review is to provide insight into current state of literature on this rare neoplasm. Additionally we include the case of a patient with metastatic process of the thyroid cartilage that was treated with novel targeted therapies which enabled prolonged survival and good quality of life. These findings support their inclusion in treatment protocols of patients with metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma of the larynx, especially in those refusing surgery which is the main treatment option in literature so far.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) spreading to the larynx: an unusual condition

“…This could be explained because most metastases to the larynx are through the systemic circulation, following the route of the inferior vena cava to the laryngeal artery, and through retrograde circulation of the paravertebral venous plexus or thoracic lymphatic duct10 and because the glottis and subglottis have fewer blood and lymphatic supply 11. In our case, the tumour was located to the glottis, and this has been described before only by a few articles 12–16…”