Choroidal metastasis as the presenting feature of a non-small cell lung carcinoma with no apparent primary lesion identified by X-ray: A case report

Abstract

The most common type of intraocular tumor in adults is the metastatic variety, with the choroid as the typical site of involvement. The case of a patient with non-small cell lung cancer, who presented with choroidal metastasis, is described in the current report. In addition, the limitation of using a chest X-ray to identify a large primary lung lesion is highlighted. A 71-year-old female that presented with a choroidal mass lesion is described in the current report. A chest X-ray was conducted and was considered to be normal following detailed investigation, however, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax revealed a large lobulated mass in the right upper lobe. On further histopathological analysis, the patient was diagnosed with a non-small cell lung carcinoma. Thus, when a large choroidal lesion and overlying exudative retinal detachment is observed, a diagnosis of choroidal metastasis should be considered. X-ray images may appear to be normal even in the presence of a large pulmonary lesion. Therefore, in cases where there may be a metastatic lesion, a CT scan is proposed as the optimal diagnostic imaging technique.