Surgical treatment of sternal metastases from thyroid carcinoma: Report oftwo cases

Radioiodine therapy is currently the treatment of choice for metastasizing differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC); however, skeletal metastases are resis tant to this form of therapy. The surgical removal of distant metastases fr om DTC offers the best chance for prolonged survival and improved quality o f life. Furthermore, the surgical removal of a resectable skeletal metastas is can be a valuable complement to radioiodine therapy. This report describ es two cases of sternal metastases from thyroid carcinoma that were managed successfully by surgery involving partial excision of the sternum followed by reconstruction of the chest wall with Marlex mesh. Both patients recove red uneventfully. Sternal resection with Marlex mesh reconstruction of the chest wall defect proved a simple and effective method for managing sternal metastasis. Thus, the surgical resection of distant bony metastases in pat ients with DTC is recommended as it can be curative, provide symptomatic pa lliation, or allow for more effective radioiodine treatment.