Clear-cell renal carcinoma metastasis to the base of the tongue and sphenoid sinus: Two very rare atypical ENT locations

Summary Introduction Kidney cancer, and especially clear cell carcinoma, has an unpredictable clinical course, with metastatic potential that is variable over time and in location. Six percent of atypical locations are ENT. The three most frequent sites are the thyroid, sinus and parotid gland. Case report We report two rare locations: the base of the tongue, and the sphenoid sinus. Discussion First-line treatment is surgical, due to low radiosensitivity, with radiation therapy as a possible second line. Functional impact is a prime issue, to avoid functional mutilation. Conclusion Such metastases may sometimes occur years after the discovery of the primitive renal tumor; any history of kidney cancer should, therefore, be noted in patients with suspect ENT lesions.