BACKGROUND: Intracaval tumour thrombus developed per continuitatem from a primary testicular tumour is rare. CASE REPORT: A patient with metastatic mixed non-seminomatous germ cell tumour of the testis extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) is presented. He belonged to the intermediate-risk group according to the IGCCCG (International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group) classification. The 26-year-old man underwent right inguinal orchiectomy. Computed tomography revealed the tumour thrombus as filling defect in the IVC extending nearly to the right renal vein. Duplex sonography detected a partial thrombosis of the IVC. Combination chemotherapy led to regression of pulmonal metastases and the intraluminal tumour thrombus. 5 months later, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was performed and the intraluminal thrombus was extracted by cavotomy. The thrombus originated from the ostium of the right testicularis vein in the IVC. Histological examination revealed no vital tumour tissue. CONCLUSION: In patients with testicular cancer information about pathological processes of the IVC is important for therapeutic management. Testicular tumours seldom extend up the IVC.
BACKGROUND: Intracaval tumour thrombus developed per continuitatem from a primary testicular tumour is rare. CASE REPORT: A patient with metastatic mixed non-seminomatous germ cell tumour of the testis extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) is presented. He belonged to the intermediate-risk group according to the IGCCCG (International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group) classification. The 26-year-old man underwent right inguinal orchiectomy. Computed tomography revealed the tumour thrombus as filling defect in the IVC extending nearly to the right renal vein. Duplex sonography detected a partial thrombosis of the IVC. Combination chemotherapy led to regression of pulmonal metastases and the intraluminal tumour thrombus. 5 months later, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was performed and the intraluminal thrombus was extracted by cavotomy. The thrombus originated from the ostium of the right testicularis vein in the IVC. Histological examination revealed no vital tumour tissue. CONCLUSION: In patients with testicular cancer information about pathological processes of the IVC is important for therapeutic management. Testicular tumours seldom extend up the IVC.