Case report: Supraglottic SCC with sphenoid and cavernous sinus metastases

Primary Sino-nasal metastases are rare. The most common anatomical sites that metastasise to this region are the kidneys followed by the lungs, breast, thyroid and prostate. Metastases from laryngeal cancer are even rarer. We report a unique case of sphenoid and cavernous sinus metastases in a patient with glottic cancer. Herein we describe to the authors’ knowledge the first reported case of supraglottic metastases to the sphenoid and cavernous sinus. This study will help further our understanding metastatic spread outside of those well described in literature. A 75-year-old with a right neck swelling and hoarseness, treated for glottic SCC and represented with cranial nerve involvement suspicious for sinonasal metastases. Metastases to the sinonasal cavity are rare representing 3 % of head and neck malignancies. The most common primary sites include breast, colon, thyroid and prostate. Metastases from the larynx are exceedingly rare. This case report illustrates a rare case of Sino-nasal metastases from a patient with glottic SCC, it highlights an alternative metastatic pathway which often proves fatal. • Primary Sino-nasal cancer is rare and has a high morbidity and mortality. • Metastases to the sinuses are a very rare occurrence. • This is the first reported case of glottic SCC to the sphenoid and cavernous sinus. • Cavernous sinus involvement can result present with cranial nerve deficits. • Management of Sino-nasal metastases is often palliative.