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Small-cell lung carcinoma metastasis to the iris - case presentation
Danuta Nikratowicz1, Iwona Rospond-Kubiak1, Jarosław Kocięcki1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Contemporary Oncology (Poznan, Poland)
|March 6, 2014
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of small-cell lung carcinoma metastasizing to the iris. Early treatment of iris metastases, while not curative, can improve quality of life in advanced lung cancer.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Metastatic tumors are the most frequent intraocular malignancies in adults.
- Anterior segment metastases, particularly to the iris, represent a small but significant portion of intraocular tumors.
- Lung and breast cancers are the most common primary sources of these metastases.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old patient with a history of small-cell lung carcinoma and brain metastases presented with unilateral red eye.
- Ophthalmological examination revealed multiple metastatic tumors in the iris.
- The patient received re-chemotherapy for the iris lesions.
Findings:
- Complete regression of iris metastases was observed after 5 months of treatment.
- Despite regression of ocular metastases, the patient died two months later due to progression of systemic small-cell lung carcinoma.
- Small-cell lung carcinoma is less commonly associated with iris metastases compared to adenocarcinomas.
Implications:
- While survival rates for lung cancer with eye involvement are poor, early diagnosis and treatment of iris metastases can potentially improve quality of life.
- The high probability of secondary glaucoma due to angle involvement necessitates prompt management.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare metastatic presentations in oncology and ophthalmology.
