Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2014 | Case report
Selective embolization for hypervascular metastasis from differentiated thyroid cancer: a case series
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2014
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Introduction
The technique of selective embolization has been applied for years in the treatment of vascular anomalies, severe hemorrhage, and for benign and malignant tumors. Some hypervascular skeletal metastases are prone to massive hemorrhage.
Case presentation
We describe the cases of two patients with thyroid carcinoma presenting with neuromuscular symptoms due to large skeletal metastases in the shoulder and sternum respectively. Pre-operative percutaneous selective catheterizations of the arteries feeding the metastatic tumors were performed, followed by infusion of gelfoam. The procedures were technically successful in both patients without adverse effects or bleeding. Complete resections of the skeletal metastases were then performed without substantial bleeding.
Conclusion
Selective embolization is an effective treatment for bony metastases from thyroid cancer.