Corneal perforation with uveal prolapse: An initial presentation of orbital metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Metastasis to the orbit is a rare and typically late manifestation of a systemic malignancy. Breast cancer is the most common orbital metastatic malignancy and as the prevalence of breast cancer rises, the incidence of orbital metastasis is expected to increase concomitantly. The purpose of this report is to illustrate a unique case of orbital metastatic breast cancer with grave ophthalmic sequelae and to review the salient findings and features of orbital metastatic disease.

OBSERVATIONS: Herein, we describe the case of a 61-year-old woman with no known history of malignancy who presented with a large compressive orbital mass that resulted in corneal perforation with uveal prolapse after initial treatment for orbital cellulitis followed by orbital pseudotumor. Anterior orbitotomy with biopsy of the mass ultimately revealed a diagnosis of metastatic breast carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

As the incidence of breast cancer increases, ophthalmologists will play an increasingly important role in detecting both undiagnosed and recurrent breast cancer.