Maxillofacial metastasis of genitourinary origin. A report of 3 cases and review of the literature

The maxillofacial region can harbour a wide range of primary tumours, as well as secondary tumours spreading from distant sites. Rare, though nevertheless important among the latter are genitourinary tumours, such as clear cell renal carcinoma and cervical cancer. Diagnosis of the maxillofacial metastasis sometimes precedes that of the original site, though in other cases the metastasis may arise many years after treatment of the primary tumour. We present three cases of maxillofacial metastasis of genitourinary tumours, two clear cell renal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The patients were referred our hospital service for diagnosis and treatment, after having been initially evaluated for buccodental symptoms. The appearance of a maxillofacial tumour, initially with the aspect of a primary tumour, may sometimes be the consequence of haematogenous dissemination from another site, such as these surprising cases originating in the genitourinary area. If disseminated metastatic disease is suspected, an extensive oncological screening should be done to evaluate the best therapeutic option in each patient.