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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
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Published on: May 26, 2023
Iris metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma of parotid gland
Javier Montero1, Carol L Shields, Carlos Bianciotto
1Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Purpose:
The purposes of this study are to report the first case of parotid gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) metastatic to the iris and ciliary body and suggest a successful treatment option.
Methods:
A 64-year-old white man presented with a diffuse multilobulated amelanotic mass involving the peripheral iris and anterior chamber angle. Fine needle aspiration with a 27-gauge needle was performed, disclosing epithelial cells with positive staining for AE1/AE3 and morphologic features consistent with metastatic parotid gland ACC. Treatment with I plaque radiotherapy (40 Gy to the apex) was provided.
Results:
Five months later, the tumor remained regressed.
Conclusions:
The systemic prognosis of salivary gland ACC is poor, with frequent local recurrences and late distance metastases. Even though uncommon, ocular metastases should be considered, and plaque radiotherapy may be useful to treat these patients.
