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.©2014 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.