Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the vocal cord: A case report

Abstract

Background: Approximately 15% of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases develop extracranial head and neck metastases. Metastatic lesions to the larynx from outside the head and neck region are rare.Methods: We report an unusual case of RCC metastatic to the left vocal cord, in a 57-year-old female. The patient suffered from metastatic RCC, detected 11 months prior to onset of hoarseness, which was her only symptom of glottic metastasis. The tumor was radically excised applying direct laryngoscopy.Results: Histopathologic examination revealed metastasis of RCC clear cell type.Conclusions: Glottic metastases do occur in patients with metastatic RCC and laryngeal symptoms, such as persistent hoarseness, should prompt otolaryngological examination.