Squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus masquerading as solitary thyroid nodule.
Secondary neoplasm of the thyroid mimicking a primary thyroid lesion is a rare finding, especially in an individual without a past history of malignancy. A case of squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to the thyroid (presenting as a solitary thyroid nodule), who had an unsuspected primary in the esophagus is described. Usually, multiple areas of the gland are involved in the secondary involvement of the thyroid. The clinical presentation of an apparently asymptomatic mass with neck lymphadenopathy, normal thyroid functions, and a cold nodule on 99mTcO4- thyroid scan can often lead to a misdiagnosis as primary thyroid neoplasm. The present case underscores the fact that due importance to the subtle signs and symptoms and a high degree of suspicion, whenever the histology is unusual for a thyroid primary, is needed and the workup should include ruling out other primary malignancies.
Basu
S
S
Radiation Medicine Centre, Tata Memorial Hospital, Jerbai Wadia Road, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India. drsanb@yahoo.com
Nair
N
N
Borges
A M
AM
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology