Eyelid metastasis as first presentation of renal cell carcinoma

An 87-year-old male presented with a slow-growing, painless and well defined nodule in the upper eyelid. The tumour measured 1cm, and was pigmented and adhered to deep planes. The histopathology analysis was compatible with renal cell carcinoma. The extension study showed a tumour mass in each kidney, as well as multiple pulmonary metastases.

The ophthalmologist can play an important role in the diagnosis of metastatic cancer when eye disease is present. Therefore, the importance of a biopsy should be noted in those suspicious and/or recurrent lesions of the eyelid.