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

SummaryIntroductionKidney 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 reportWe report two rare locations: the base of the tongue, and the sphenoid sinus.DiscussionFirst-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.ConclusionSuch 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.