Facial Vein Thrombosis in Head & Neck Squamaous Cell Carcinomawith Review- A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Tumor thrombosis of the head and neck region is a rare occurrence and the majority cases that have been reported are of differentiated thyroid cancers.
Presentation of Case: We discuss a case of a male patient who reported with the complaint of non-healing ulcer on left buccal mucosa which was histopathologically diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The PET-scan done as a part of initial work up investigations revealed a massive thrombus in the left facial vein. No direct vascular invasion of the tumor into the left facial vein was observed. The patient was aggressively treated with surgery followed by adjuvant chemo-radiation. The patient is disease free since last two years.
Conclusion: Facial vein tumor thrombosis originated from SCC apparently reflects extremely aggressive state of the tumor. Recognition and precaution to this condition is essential for the development of a clinically effective treatment strategy. According to an elaborate literature search, this is first such case to be reported of its kind.