Wide composite resection of follicular thyroid carcinoma with metastases to sternum: Report of two cases

Abstract

Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) with sternum metastasis is rarely reported. Conservative treatments always result in a poor prognosis. We report two cases of FTC presenting with a large symptomatic solitary metastatic lesion in the sternum. Surgical intervention included total thyroidectomy, combined with wide composite resection of the sternal manubrium, as well as the adjacent clavicular head and ribs. A large defect with exposed pericardium and great vessels was found post resection in both cases. Because the ipsilateral vessels were sacrificed, a contralateral extended pedicled pectoralis major adipofascial flap was designed and transposed to cover the underlying vital organs. The patients received both adjuvant I-131 and radiotherapy postoperatively. The treatment was uneventful, and the patients are well and asymptomatic 5 years after the treatment. Wide composite resection and appropriate adjuvant therapies may offer a survival benefit in patients with advanced FTC with sternum metastasis.