Related Experiment Video For choroidal metastasis
Updated: Aug 4, 2025

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
Presumed Choroidal Metastasis From Oncocytic Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report
Yousef J Cruz-Iñigo1, Stephen A M De Souza1
1Associated Retina Consultants, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
Purpose:
This article reports a case of presumed choroidal metastasis from an oncocytic carcinoma of the parotid gland.
Methods:
A 70-year-old man with history of an oncocytic carcinoma of the parotid gland presented owing to a 1-month history of progressive blurred central vision shortly after metastatic surveillance workup revealed liver, lung, and spine metastases. Fundus examination of the right eye showed a yellow choroidal mass surrounding the optic nerve and extending inferonasally, which is associated with subretinal fluid involving the foveal center. A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography were remarkable for a dome-shaped choroidal mass with medium-to-high internal reflectivity. Fluorescein angiography revealed pinpoint foci of hyperfluorescence over the choroidal lesion with late leakage. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed evidence of metastatic disease to the cerebellum. While the patient underwent systemic chemotherapy, external beam radiotherapy was used to treat the eye.
Results:
Four months later, visual acuity improved, the tumor reduced in size, and the subretinal fluid resolved. Systemic workup disclosed no new metastases.
Conclusion:
Oncocytic carcinoma of the parotid gland is a rare and aggressive malignant neoplasm with frequent recurrences and distant metastases. The current case suggests that oncocytic carcinoma can metastasize to the choroid and, consequently, ocular metastasis surveillance is advised in these patients.

