Orbital metastasis as the inaugural presentation of occult rectal cancer

Abstract

Orbital metastasis is uncommon and occurs in 2-3% of patients with cancer. It is rarely the initial manifestation of a systemic malignancy. It usually indicates extensive haematogenous dissemination of a primary cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. Breast, lungs and prostate cancers are the most common primary cancers leading to orbital metastasis. However, orbital tumour revealing a rectal adenocarcinoma is exceptional. We describe a case of orbital tumour in a 67-year-old man with no history of systemic cancer while presenting with ophthalmic symptoms. Investigations revealed rectal adenocarcinoma as the primary malignant tumour.

Radiosensitive orbital metastasis as presentation of occult colonic adenocarcinoma

“…Only 10 other cases reporting colorectal malignancies metastatic to the orbit have been described in the literature; these cases are tabulated in table 1 4–13. Of these, three described orbital symptoms as the initial presentation 9 12 13. This report represents the fourth such case.…”

Orbital metastasis mimicking internuclear ophthalmoplegia: A case report and review

“…Orbital metastases are rare (2%-3% of cancer patients), and these patients may present with diplopia, pain, visual loss, proptosis, and eyelid swelling. 1,14,15 Lung, breast, kidney, and prostate cancers are among the most common sources of orbital metastases. 1,15 In contrast, colorectal cancer metastases to the orbit are rare, with only 13 cases reported in the world literature ( Table 1).…”

“…1,14,15 Lung, breast, kidney, and prostate cancers are among the most common sources of orbital metastases. 1,15 In contrast, colorectal cancer metastases to the orbit are rare, with only 13 cases reported in the world literature ( Table 1). [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Of the 13, only 6 cases involve rectal carcinoma as the primary tumour.…”

“…1,15 In contrast, colorectal cancer metastases to the orbit are rare, with only 13 cases reported in the world literature ( Table 1). [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Of the 13, only 6 cases involve rectal carcinoma as the primary tumour. However, it has been hypothesized that gastrointestinal carcinoid tumours have a propensity to metastasize to the extraocular muscles.…”

“…To our knowledge, there are only 13 other reports of orbital metastasis resulting from colorectal cancer (of which only 6 were rectal cancer). [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] We believe that this is the first reported case mimicking an apparent INO.…”