Intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma: A case report
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
102
Journal Issue
2
Pages
109-112
Date Issued
2003
Author(s)
Abstract
Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) is a rare malignancy that occurs in the soft tissues of the neck or in the thyroid gland. When its occurs in the thyroid, it is difficult to diffentiate from thyroid tumor. Here, we report such a case. A 34-years-old man presented with a mass in the left lower neck in August 1999. Thyroid ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic mass, which replaced most of the left thyroid gland. Fine-needle aspiration cytology showed poorly differentiated carcinoma. He received left lobectomy in Febuary 2001. Grossly, the mass measuring 3.7 x 3.5 x 3.5 cm was located in the lower part of the left lobe of the thyroid gland. The cut surface was yellowish gray. Microscopically, the tumor was separated into lobules by fibrous tissues infiltrated with small lymphocytes. It was composed of poorly differentiated squamoid cells and focal keratin pearls. Thymus-like tissue with Hassall's corpuscles was seen adjacent to the tumor cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin and CD5, but negative for thyroglobulin. Keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma arising from intrathyroid thymic tissue was diagnosed. Because of a dublious section margin, adjuvant radiotherapy with a total dose of 500 cGy was given. There was no evidence of recurrence twenty months after surgery. Although intrathyriodal thymic carcinoma is are, it should be differentiated from anaplastic thyroid carcinoma because these conditions have different prognosis.
Subjects
Antigens; CD5; Thymoma; Thyroid neoplasms
SDGs
Other Subjects
CD5 antigen; cytokeratin; thyroglobulin; adult; article; aspiration biopsy; aspiration cytology; case report; cell differentiation; differential diagnosis; echography; human; immunohistochemistry; lobectomy; lymphocytic infiltration; male; prognosis; radiation dose; squamous cell carcinoma; thymus cancer; thyroid cancer; tumor differentiation; Adult; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Thymus Neoplasms; Thyroid Neoplasms
Type
journal article