Orbital metastatic tumour as initial manifestation of asymptomatic gastric adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION

Metastatic orbital tumour from gastric cancer is rare. Patients with metastatic disease may present initially to the ophthalmologist with symptoms from metastases instead of from the primary cancer.

CLINICAL PICTURE: We report a case, with clinicopathological correlation, of metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma presenting first in the orbit with diplopia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit showed a well-defined enhancing right intraconal tumour.

TREATMENT AND

RESULTS

Excisional biopsy was performed and histopathology confirmed a metastatic adenocarcinoma. Focused gastrointestinal screening revealed an otherwise asymptomatic Stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma. Chemotherapy was initiated with good tumour response.

CONCLUSION

Early biopsy of unusual orbital tumours is critical as orbital metastases may be the initial manifestation of an asymptomatic primary. Histopathological diagnosis can aid localisation of the primary tumour and allow prompt treatment to be instituted.