Identifying the unlikely suspect: A massive patellar metastasis from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma—A case report

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ranks as the eighth most common global cancer, known for its aggressive metastatic potential. This report presents a rare case of a 67-year-old male with a history of cervical esophagus SCC, who developed an unusual metastasis to the patella, a site exceedingly rare for metastasis. The patient, with a history of localized spread and various treatments, presented with leukocytosis, anemia, and progressively worsening right knee pain. MRI findings revealed a significant mass at the patella's upper pole, indicative of metastatic involvement, leading to successful surgical intervention at a specialized facility. This case underscores the importance of considering atypical metastatic sites in patients with known ESCC, highlighting the complexity of managing such rare metastatic presentations and the necessity for a tailored, multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and treatment.