Malignant melanoma metastasis to the thyroid gland causing severe central airway obstruction

Abstract

Metastasis of malignant melanoma to the thyroid gland causing airway obstruction is an extremely rare condition. In an 80-year-old woman who presented with painless swelling of the neck, a diagnosis of malignant melanoma metastasis to the thyroid gland with an unknown source was established. She received multiple radiotherapy sessions that resulted in occasional regression but not complete resolution. She was then referred for tracheal stenting owing to progressed dysphagia and dyspnea. Rigid bronchoscopy was performed, and a fully covered metal stent was placed to secure the open airway. Dyspnea improved immediately after stent insertion. The patient died at her residence because of a cerebrovascular event 2 weeks after the procedure. To the best of our knowledge, central airway obstruction due to malignant melanoma metastasis to the thyroid gland has been not reported in the literature. The approach for palliation of obstruction is similar to that of other malignant central airway obstructions.