Hepatic breast cancer dissemination after an iatrogenic hepatic laceration during talc pleurodesis: a case report

Abstract

Background: Talc pleurodesis is an effective treatment for malignant pleural effusion. We present a case of an asymptomatic hepatic laceration that occurred during pleurodesis in a breast cancer patient and led to hepatic tumor dissemination. Discussion: Pleurodesis is a relatively safe procedure, although previous studies have described malignant invasion of scar tissue. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case report of tumor spread due to a liver puncture during talc pleurodesis in a breast cancer patient.