Under extreme conditions and in palliative settings, shared decision making with the patient is vital; narrative decisions beyond evidence could be considered. If there is a chance of symptom palliation, extended surgery should not be avoided merely because of the limited life expectancy.
Keywords: carotid blow out syndrome; malignant Triton tumor; palliative care; palliative surgery; sternotomy.
© 2021 The Authors. Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.