Publication:

Extensive tumour thrombosis from a differentiated thyroid carcinoma masquerading as a right atrial mass

Thyroid carcinomas are well recognized for their propensity to cause tumour thrombosis, most confined to the cervical vessels. However, extensive thrombosis involving the mediastinal veins and right atrium is exceedingly rare. Such advanced tumour thrombosis is associated with a high risk of hematogenous dissemination and pulmonary metastasis, adversely affecting overall survival. We report the case of a 74-year-old man with papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting with tumour thrombus extending into the right atrium in the absence of pulmonary metastases. The patient underwent successful single-stage complete surgical resection without significant perioperative morbidity. He remains on regular follow-up and has been disease-free for 2 years following surgery.