Orbital mass as first presentation of metastatic p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

We describe a case in which a 67-year-old man was diagnosed with a metastatic recurrence of p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after presenting with a medial orbital mass in the region of the nasolacrimal apparatus. A review of the literature revealed that metastasis to the orbit from any malignancy is an uncommon occurrence, and no cases of p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma have previously been reported. Our case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion during surveillance visits with such patients.