Carcinoma of the tongue presenting as orbital metastasis

Abstract

Orbital metastasis from carcinoma of the tongue is an extremely rare event. Till date, only one case has been reported in the literature (1). In this case report a 56-year-old male, who presented with orbital metastasis and on investigations was found to have his asymptomatic primary disease at the posterior part (base) of the tongue is described. His ophthalmologic and computed tomographic (CT) findings are mentioned. The patient was treated with a course of palliative radiotherapy followed by combination chemotherapy with good symptomatic relief and objective response. The incidence and pattern of orbital metastasis in carcinomas are discussed briefly.