Metastatic tumor implantation from a primary cancer of the base of the tongue at the site of placement of a central venous portacath

Central venous catheter placement with an implanted port (portacath) is used to provide long-term venous access. We report a case of metastatic implantation at a port site from a primary cancer of the base of the tongue. Insertion of portacaths must be performed using full sterile precautions to avoid spread of tumor cells; in no case should the port site incisions be in contact with the surgical field in which the tumor resection was performed.