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Metastasis

Metastasis

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...

Metastasis

Metastasis

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma

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Published on: January 25, 2015

Orbital metastases.

Eileen Ng¹, Pauline F Ilsen

¹West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, 11031 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA. eng510@gmail.com

Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.)

|November 30, 2010

Summary

Orbital metastasis can present as the first sign of cancer, even without a prior diagnosis. Prompt evaluation for proptosis or ptosis is crucial for early detection and management of this rare condition.

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Oncology
Radiology

Background:

Orbital metastasis is an uncommon but significant condition optometrists must consider in patients with proptosis, ptosis, diplopia, or lid mass, especially with a cancer history.
In up to 19% of cases, orbital metastasis presents without a prior or concurrent history of systemic cancer, highlighting the importance of ophthalmic evaluation.
Suspicion of orbital metastasis warrants neuroimaging and multidisciplinary referral to primary care, oncology, and ophthalmology specialists.

Observation:

Case 1: A 55-year-old man presented with ptosis, diagnosed via MRI and biopsy as metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Case 2: A 49-year-old man presented with ptosis and retinal elevation, confirmed by B-scan and CT as metastatic lung carcinoma.
Case 3: A 77-year-old man with a history of lymphoma developed proptosis, later found to be a meningioma, not a recurrence.

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Findings:

Orbital metastasis can manifest initially with ophthalmic symptoms like proptosis and ptosis.
Diagnostic tools such as MRI, CT, and orbital biopsy are essential for identifying orbital masses.
Systemic cancers, including esophageal adenocarcinoma, lung carcinoma, and lymphoma, can metastasize to the orbit.

Implications:

Orbital metastasis may be the initial presentation of an undiagnosed systemic cancer.
Early detection through ophthalmic examination is critical, as prognosis can be poor.
Treatment is often palliative, focusing on disease progression control rather than cure.