Renal cell carcinoma presenting as a masseteric space mass

We present an unusual case of renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the masseter muscle. Whereas metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the head and neck in itself is common, metastasis to skeletal muscle is quite infrequent. Although the presence of metastasis in renal cell carcinoma implies an overall worse prognosis, surgical extirpation as well as management of the primary lesion is still advisable in the hope of achieving long-term survival. Renal cell carcinoma metastasis must always be included in the differential diagnosis of clear cell neoplasms of the head and neck.