[Cervicovisceral resection in invasive thyroid tumors]

Abstract

About 6% of patients with thyroid cancer present with life-threatening tumor invasion of the trachea and/or esophagus. The extent of resection depends on tumor diagnosis and stage (indication only in differentiated and perhaps medullary thyroid cancer without extrapulmonary metastases), extent of aerodigestive invasion, and general health state of the patient. After complete tumor resection, 5-year and 10-year survival rates of 40-75% can be achieved. Incomplete tumor resection however has a negative effect on prognosis. Tangential tumor resection (shaving) is indicated if no transmural invasion of trachea/esophagus has occurred. Tracheal resection can be subdivided into six standard procedures--types 1 and 2: laryngotracheal or tracheal window resection; types 3 and 4: circular resection with primary reconstruction infraglottic or tracheal; and types 5 and 6: laryngectomy and cervical evisceration.