Tumour thrombus
Tumour thrombus is often seen in renal cell carcinoma (20%), tumour invades the renal vein and migrates proximally - occasionally reaching the right atrium. It it composed of both tumour and thrombotic components. Tumour thrombus may not be adherent and in some cases can be removed retrogradely at nephrectomy. The presence of tumour thrombus affects renal cell carcinoma staging.
Other tumours which may show this phenomenon are 2
- hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- adrenal carcinoma
- retroperitoneal tumours
