Bronchopulmonary atypical carcinoid tumour metastatic to the orbit

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumours metastatic to the orbit are rare. A case is presented demonstrating presentation, histopathology and treatment. METHODS: A 64-year-old man with a history of bronchopulmonary atypical carcinoid presented with an orbital mass. The nature of this metastasis was confirmed with histology and it was surgically excised and, in addition, local radiotherapy and chemotherapy were administered. RESULTS: There was a good response to the treatment for the orbital mass but other metastases developed, causing death. CONCLUSIONS: In this case of atypical carcinoid, orbital metastasis was the first sign of disease progression. Histological confirmation of the diagnosis was important in this case to allow planning of oncological therapy and for appropriate patient counselling. A good local response was obtained with a combination of surgical excision, local radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The systemic prognosis remains poor in cases of metastatic bronchopulmonary atypical carcinoid tumour, in contrast to typical carcinoid.