Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
06:20
Murine Bilateral Renal Lymphadenectomy
Published on: December 30, 2025
122
Unilateral Blepharoptosis from Renal Cell Carcinoma
Federico Greco1, Lorenzo Sabatino1, Francesco Sabatino1
1Unit of Diagnostic Imaging and Unit of Otolaryngology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy; Eye Unit, Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Journal of Kidney Cancer and VHL
|March 23, 2017
Summary
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can rarely metastasize to the orbit, causing acquired blepharoptosis (drooping eyelid). This case highlights unusual cancer spread and the importance of considering malignancy in ptosis diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Blepharoptosis, or drooping eyelid, has congenital and acquired causes.
- Tumor metastasis is a recognized cause of acquired blepharoptosis.
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) typically metastasizes to common sites like lungs and liver, but unusual locations are documented.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old man presented with unilateral ptosis and blurred vision.
- Diagnostic workup revealed metastatic renal cell carcinoma as the cause.
- The metastasis affected the orbit, leading to the observed symptoms.
Findings:
- This case illustrates an unusual site of metastasis for renal cell carcinoma.
- The diagnosis involved identifying orbital metastasis from RCC.
- The patient's symptoms mimicked benign conditions but were indicative of malignancy.
Implications:
- Orbital metastasis from RCC can present with symptoms like ptosis and blurred vision.
- Clinicians should consider systemic malignancy, such as RCC, in the differential diagnosis of unexplained ptosis.
- Recognizing unusual metastatic patterns is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of advanced cancers.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
4.9K
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
4.9K
01:17Accessory Structures of the Eye
4.1K
Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...
4.1K
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.6K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.6K
01:20Renal Corpuscle
8.1K
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
8.1K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.5K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.5K