Intraocular mass as first presenting symptom of metastatic squamous cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related mortality worldwide. Currently, it is the third most common cancer behind prostate and breast cancer. Approximately 85% of all lung cancers are non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common subtypes, accounting for 50% and 30% of NSCLC cases, respectively. Lung cancer is often initially found on chest x-rays and diagnosed via biopsy of the lesion. It is often diagnosed at the time of advanced or metastatic disease. The majority of lung cancers metastasize to locations such as bone, brain, adrenal glands and liver. Multiple case reports have been reported with ocular metastases, such as the choroid, iris and retina. We present a 87-year-old women whose initial emergency department presentation of squamous cell type lung cancer was an intraocular mass. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of this presentation and diagnosis within the emergency department setting.