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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
Thyroid carcinoma with extensive tumor thrombus in the atrium
Yuko Yamagami1, Masayuki Tori, Masayuki Sakaki
1Department of Surgery, Osaka Police Hospital, 10-31 Kitayama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0035, Japan. caesar@surg1.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
This case report details a rare instance of papillary thyroid carcinoma forming an extensive tumor thrombus reaching the atrium. Surgical resection was successful, with no recurrence observed after 7 months of follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid carcinoma rarely presents with extensive tumor thrombus formation.
- Intracardiac extension of thyroid cancer is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male presented with papillary thyroid carcinoma and a large tumor thrombus.
- Computed tomography (CT) confirmed tumor extension into the left jugular vein, innominate vein, superior vena cava, and atrium.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.
- The extensive tumor thrombus, reaching the atrium, posed a significant risk of pulmonary embolism.
- Surgical resection of the tumor thrombus was performed to mitigate this risk.
Implications:
- This case highlights the rare but critical complication of extensive tumor thrombus in thyroid carcinoma.
- Successful surgical intervention can be achieved for such advanced presentations.
- Further research into managing rare cardiovascular involvements in thyroid cancer is warranted.
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