Key result
A case of major tumor embolism presenting as the initial manifestation of cancer was described, highlighting its unusual chronicity and recurrence.
Case Report (n=1)
Major tumor embolism can rarely present as the initial manifestation of cancer, causing respiratory failure.
Consider tumor embolism in unexplained chronic pulmonary obstructions; leaves open need for validation in larger cohorts.
Major tumor emboli (obstructing segmental or larger branches of the pulmonary artery) are a rare mechanism of spread of cancer to the lungs. Less frequently are tumor emboli the cause of respiratory failure and death. The present case of major tumor embolism as the initial manifestation of cancer is unusual for the chronicity, documentation of recurrence, and tissue pathology encountered. In retrospect, we can describe clues which may arouse suspicion of tumor embolism in future cases.
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Burchard et al. (1984) conducted a case report in Tumor embolism and cancer (n=1). Tumor embolism was evaluated. A case of major tumor embolism presenting as the initial manifestation of cancer was described, highlighting its unusual chronicity and recurrence.
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