Renal Cell Carcinoma metastasizing to larynx: a case report

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant tumor occurring in 5th-6th decade of life with an increasing incidence reported in the US but stable in Europe. The metastasis of RCC to head and neck region is infrequent and very rarely seen in larynx. Very few cases of RCC metastasizing to larynx are reported in literature. We report a case of RCC in a middle aged male with metastasis to larynx, 7 years after initial diagnosis and nephrectomy. These unusual tumor metastases have unique pathobiology and route of metastasis, and there can be a long interval from initial diagnosis of primary tumor. The diagnosis of metastatic RCC in unusual locations is often not easy. Treatment options include metastasectomy, radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy but with a poor outcome. A differential diagnosis should always be considered in metastatic head and neck tumors. The need for prompt accurate diagnosis, risk stratification at initial primary diagnosis, surveillance, and long term regular follow up is emphasized.