Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma to the Head and Neck: Summary of 21 Cases

Objective: Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the head and neck is a relatively uncommon phenomenon, but such lesions can be the initial presentation of disease. RCC should be considered a source for lesions in this region, especially in patients who have received a previous diagnosis of RCC.

Methods: In this study, we review the presentation, management, and outcomes for 21 patients with documented metastasis of RCC to the head and neck outside the central nervous system. This study is a retrospective review of cases ascertained during a 17-year period from a large teaching hospital.

Results: Of the 21 patients observed, 10 were found to have metastatic disease at the time of RCC diagnosis, involving the head and neck in 5 cases. The most common sites of head and neck metastasis were to bone (n = 6), skin and subcutaneous tissue (n = 6), and lymph nodes (n = 5).

Conclusions: This study is a reminder to consider a renal primary tumour for metastatic disease identified in the head and neck, particularly metastases with a "clear cell" histologic pattern. A head and neck metastasis may occasionally be the presenting sign in a patient with RCC, or it may follow the primary diagnosis by many years.