Chennai, Nov 11:
Surgical specialists at MGM Cancer Institute have successfully treated a 55-year-old male patient whose persistent back pain and lower-limb numbness led to the diagnosis of rare, complex retrosternal thyroid cancer that had metastasised to his spine. Upfront spinal metastases originating from retrosternal thyroid tumours occur in less than one per cent of thyroid cancer cases worldwide.
The patient was initially admitted after enduring weeks of intensifying lower back pain and weakness in his legs. Clinical evaluations revealed a hypervascular tumour occupying the thoracic vertebrae and exerting severe pressure on the spinal cord. Diagnostic mapping identified the spinal mass as a secondary lesion originating from a primary thyroid carcinoma that extended downwards behind the breastbone into the chest cavity without presenting noticeable symptoms in the neck.
To prevent irreversible nerve damage and paralysis, a joint team led by surgical oncologist Dr. S. Srivishnu and spine surgeon Dr. G. Vijayaraghavan performed an eight-hour dual-stage procedure. The surgeons conducted a total thyroidectomy to excise the primary tumour and regional lymph nodes, followed by a D2–D5 thoracic laminectomy to decompress the spinal cord before stabilising the spinal column with permanent implants. The patient made a smooth recovery, was discharged within three days, and is slated to receive radioiodine therapy to target remaining spinal lesions.