Tru-Cut Isolated Parotid Metastasis From Renal Cell Carcinoma: An Unusual Presentation and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Renal cell carcinoma with isolated metastasis to the parotid gland is extremely rare. Slow growth, low level of suspicion and negative Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) often delay the diagnosis. A high level of suspicion of metastatic disease from a specic site is important, otherwise can be missed for a benign swelling leading to delayed treatment and poorer prognosis. A 59-year-old Case presentation: male presented with a swelling in the right preauricular area 5 years post right radical nephrectomy for right renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The examination was suggestive of a benign swelling. FNAC was done twice, which was inconclusive. A Tru-cut biopsy of the lesion revealed metastatic RCC. MRI revealed a dumbbell type of tumor extending deep into the gland and encasing vessels. PET-CT was negative for metastasis to the rest of the body. The patient received targeted therapy followed by radiation therapy with imaging showing non-progression of the disease. Conclusion: Metastatic disease should be considered whenever a parotid mass is detected in patients with an RCC history. Examination ndings can be misleading; hence dedicated imaging is critical. Small parotid metastasis can be cured with surgery. A combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy can palliate the unresectable disease.