Tumor seeding following lung radiofrequency ablation: a case report

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2005 Jul-Aug;28(4):530-2. doi: 10.1007/s00270-004-0246-7.

Abstract

Lung radiofrequency (RF) ablation was performed for the treatment of a primary lung cancer measuring 2.5 cm in maximum diameter in a 78-year-old man. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) study performed 3 months after RF ablation showed incomplete ablation of the lung tumor and the appearance of a chest wall tumor 4.0 cm in maximum diameter that was considered to be the result of needle-tract seeding. RF ablation was performed for the treatment of both the lung and the chest wall tumors. Although tumor enhancement was eradicated in both of the treated tumors, follow-up CT studies revealed diffuse intra-pulmonary metastases in both lungs 2 months after the second RF session. He is currently receiving systemic chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Catheter Ablation*
  • Contrast Media
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Seeding*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Contrast Media