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

Purpose: We propose to present a novel case of a genital malignancy metasta tic to the head and neck. Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is the third most frequent malignancy of the female genital tract. Early detection and impro ved radiation and surgical techniques have resulted in better control of th e 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 beh ind 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 abo ve 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. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Comp any.