Carcinoma of the uterine cervix metastatic to behind the zygomatic arch: A case report

• Published in: American journal of otolaryngology 1999-05, Vol.20 (3), p.195-197
• Main Authors: Challagalla, Jagathi D., Smith, Richard, Mitnick, Robin, Breining, Dwayne, Wadler, Scott
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - secondary; Female; Female genital diseases; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Medical sciences; Otorhinolaryngology (head neck, general aspects and miscellaneous); Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Soft Tissue Neoplasms - secondary; Tumors; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - pathology; Zygoma
• ISSN: 0196-0709; 1532-818X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0196-0709(99)90072-8

Purpose: We propose to present a novel case of a genital malignancy metastatic to the head and neck. Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is the third most frequent malignancy of the female genital tract. Early detection and improved radiation and surgical techniques have resulted in better control of the pelvic tumor and a greater incidence of distant metastasis. Metastases to the soft tissue of the head and neck region have not been reported. Methods: We present the first known case of a 35-year-old woman with cancer of the uterine cervix who presented with metastasis to the soft tissue behind the zygomatic arch. Results: The patient received radiation therapy to the zygomatic region and cisplatin therapy with a near-complete remission. Conclusion: This case shows that not all squamous cell cancers detected above the clavicles are from a thoracic or a head and neck primary tumor. The atypical location should alert the physician to suspect distant metastasis, rather than locoregional disease.