A Case of Metastatic Brain Cancer from Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tonsil

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 1999;15(2):232-234.
Published online November 30, 1999.

Hyung Ro Chu

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Abstract

Distant metastases of head and neck cancer have become an increasingly common cause of death as local and regional control has improved. The most frequent metastatic sites of head and neck cancer are the lung, liver, bone and kidney; but metastases to the gastrointestinal tract, brain and heart have also been reported. We report a recent case of a 37-year-old male patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil who had undergone composite operation with left radical neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy. The patient presented three years later, cachexic and complaining of severe deep seated headache. Radiologic evaluation revealed a cystic mass with peripheral enhancement in left temporal lobe that was proven to be metastatic cancer by burrhole exploration. However, in spite of various modalities, the patient expired.

Key Words: Tonsil cancer, Brain metastasis