Metastatic eyelid disease associated with primary breast carcinoma: case report

Abstract

Metastasis confined to eyelids are rare, representing less than 1% of malignant eyelid lesions. More than 50% of all eyelid metastasis are reported to have the breast as the most common primary origin. Two cases of metastatic eyelid disease associated with primary breast carcinoma are described. These lesions were the first sign of metastatic systemic disease. Case 1: An 80-year old woman with no significant ophthalmological history complaining of a discrete painless lesion in the left upper eyelid. She had been diagnosed 10 years before as infiltrated ductal carcinoma of right mammary gland with no reference of metastatic disease. Case 2: A 77-year old woman who attends our ophthalmology service came complaining of a four-month history of a painless swelling and erythema of right lower eyelid. The past medical history was significant for infiltrated ductal carcinoma on right mammary gland 2 years before the ocular manifestation. Breast carcinoma is notorious for its presentation diversity. Metastatic disease should be considered as differential diagnosis of eyelid lesions. Although rare, these lesions can be an initial sign of systemic malignancy.