Abstract
We describe our experience with a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the mandibular gingiva in a patient who developed pulmonary thromboembolism during cetuximab with FP therapy.
A 57-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of pain in the left mandible. On the basis of imaging findings, cervical lymph node metastasis involving the cavernous internal carotid artery was found. We administered cetuximab with FP therapy because unresectable tumors were diagnosed.
Enhanced computed tomography revealed a number of microthrombi in the pulmonary artery during systemic therapy because of disorientation and minimal dyspnea. Systemic therapy was discontinued, and anticoagulant therapy was given. Disappearance of the thrombus was confirmed 3 weeks later, so tumor resection was performed. There was no recurrence or re-thromboembolism during the 4-year 9-month follow-up period.
