Choroidal metastasis from submandibular salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2008 Jan-Feb;39(1):57-9. doi: 10.3928/15428877-20080101-03.

Abstract

A case of choroidal metastasis from an adenoid cystic carcinoma ofsubmandibular salivary gland is described. A 50-year-old woman with loss of vision in her left eye for 1 week was evaluated clinically, radiologically, and pathologically. A fundus image of the left eye showed an amelanotic, plateau-shaped choroidal mass measuring 17 x 12 X 4 mm with overlying exudative retinal detachment. A choroidal biopsy was consistent with metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma from her submandibular salivary gland treated 5 years previously. She was treated with external beam radiotherapy but developed liver and lung metastases 3 months later and died within 1 month. All of the metastases demonstrated a basaloid histologic variant of adenoid cystic carcinoma that is known for its aggressive potential. Salivary gland carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the choroid; however, evaluation of patients with this carcinoma should include ophthalmic examination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / secondary*
  • Choroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Choroid Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Choroid Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Middle Aged
  • Submandibular Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Ultrasonography