Pancoast Syndrome Caused by Metastasis to the Superior Mediastinum of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary tumor of the liver. HCC accounts for approximately 13 % of new cancer cases in Taiwan per year [[1]]. In 2004, its annual mortality rate was about 19.4 % of all cancer-related deaths in Taiwan [[1]]. The most common etiologic factor is cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. HCC is a highly malignant tumor, and patients usually have a poor prognosis. This report presents an unusual metastasis of HCC to the superior mediastinum causing Pancoast syndrome. Permanent loss of neurological function is possible if the diagnosis of paraspinal metastasis is delayed.

References

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