METASTASIS TO VULVA IN OROPHARANGEAL CANCER: A RARE CASE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Metastasis to vulva from head and neck cancer is a rare event. It is usually a late manifestation of the primary tumour and may be the rst evidence of widespread dissemination of the disease. The diagnosis is difcult and is usually done by histopathological examination. Case Summary: A 75-year old female presented with complaints of pain in throat and difculty in swallowing for 15-20 days and was diagnosed as a case of oropharyngeal cancer involving soft palate and uvula. The patient was treated with palliative EBRT followed by supplementary EBRT to face and neck. The patient was later found to have recurrence with metastasis to vulva despite completion of primary treatment. The patient presented with pain in groin and swelling over perineal region with histopathology report revealing poorly differentiated malignant tumour. The patient was given palliative EBRT single session to local site which resulted in good relief of symptoms. Conclusion: The case report showed that palliative radiotherapy can yield a good symptomatic response in vulvar metastasis. Further studies are required to standardize an approach to manage such patients.