Metastasis over implantable venous access ports.

BACKGROUND

The totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is an important device for patients receiving chemotherapy. We have reported, to our knowledge, the first case of a metastatic tumor over a TIVAP implanted via the Seldinger technique with a subclavian vein puncture.

METHODS

Our patient, a 48-year-old man with hard palate cancer, had metastasis over the TIVAP. CT studies showed that the tumor had spread along the catheter from the neck to the chest wall.

RESULTS

The cause of death was multiple lung metastases and intractable tumor bleeding over the TIVAP.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a novel case of metastasis over the TIVAP implanted by use of the Seldinger technique. This technique is used for patients receiving prolonged cytotoxic therapy for malignancy. Although the Seldinger technique is quick and more effective, we prefer the cephalic vein cut-down technique when an aggressive, advanced cancer of head and neck is involved.