Pancoast syndrome caused by metastasis to the superior mediastinum of hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common in Taiwan. Recently, extrahepatic metastases have developed more frequently in patients due to prolonged survival rates to which improved diagnostic and treatment methods have contributed. We present here a case of a 46-year-old man with an unusual metastasis to the superior mediastinum causing Pancoast syndrome eight months after a right hepatic lobectomy for HBV-related HCC. Early detection and prompt treatment of paraspinal metastasis are important to relieve symptoms and prevent permanent loss of neurological functions.