Thyroid carcinoma with extensive tumor thrombus in the superior vena cava: A case report

Abstract

HighlightsThis is an uncommon surgical case report of thyroid carcinoma with extensive tumor thrombus in the superior vena cava.Management criteria for thyroid carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus is considered for safe and effective operation.Treatment and natural history for pulmonary infarction that occurred for drop off of the tumor thrombus are recognizable.

Follicular thyroid carcinoma with internal jugular vein tumour thrombus

“… 15 It is useful in characterising the tumours and identifying the location of extrathyroid masses 4 , 15 and for diagnosing small vascular tumour thrombi. 8 As seen in this case, the tumour thrombus shows internal vascularity on colour Doppler, differentiating it from bland thrombus. The usefulness of high-frequency Doppler ultrasound as a non-invasive method for detecting tumour extensions into the great veins have been demonstrated in a case series.…”

“…Unlike papillary carcinoma, which spreads via the lymphatic route, follicular thyroid cancer spreads haematogeneously through the internal thyroid vein 14 , 16 , commonly, into the ipsilateral IJV, progressing either cephalad into the cranial vessels or caudad into the mediastinal vessels or the cardiac chambers. 8 …”

“…The ultrasound scan was the only modality readily available at the peripheral facility of the various imaging modalities. Ultrasound scan of the neck is generally routinely used, 1 , 4 , 8 , 15 being widely available and non-invasive. 15 It is useful in characterising the tumours and identifying the location of extrathyroid masses 4 , 15 and for diagnosing small vascular tumour thrombi.…”

Tumor thrombus: incidence, imaging, prognosis and treatment

“…As with other tumor thrombi, proximal and distal control of the thrombus is necessary during surgical excision. This is illustrated in one case report which describes tumor thrombus embolizing to the pulmonary artery during surgery in the absence of adequate central control (121). Thyroid tumor thrombus can first be detected by ultrasound and may be further imaged with by contrast enhanced CT or MRI (122).…”

A rare case of TENIS presenting with SVC thrombus - Highlighting the role of PET-CT scan

“…[ 9 ] Only a few reports have shown thyroid cancer patients with tumor thrombus that progresses to the innominate vein, SVC, or intracranial extension beyond IJV. [ 10 ] Detection of the extent of tumor thrombus is important for treatment planning which may either be radiotherapy or a surgical procedure. Whole-body FDG-PET/CT is an excellent tool for delineation of the tumor extent including vascular tumor invasion.…”