[Metastasis of renal carcinoma to the thyroid gland].
BACKGROUND
Intrathyroid metastases are uncommon. Clinically, the distinction may be difficult with thyroid malignant tumor.


METHODS
A 76-year-old woman was referred to our department for an evaluation of a dysphonia. She had a past history of renal cancer 6 months ago. A multinodular goiter was noticed at the palpation. Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was observed; there was no cervical lymph node. Fine-needle aspiration was not contributive. Computed tomography confirmed the multinodular goiter. Total thyroidectomy was performed and final histologic examination revealed a metastasis of a renal cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Even if intrathyroid metastasis are rare, the practitioner must suggest the diagnosis if the patient had a thyroid tumor and a past history of cancer. A fine-needle aspiration can help the diagnosis. The surgical management is recommended for isolated metastasis to the thyroid gland especially in renal cancer.
Service d'ORL et de chirurgie cervicofaciale, CHU Bretonneau, boulevard Tonnelé, 37000 Tours, France. bakhos_d@med.univ-tours.fr
D
D
Bakhos
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E
Lescanne
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P
Beutter
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S
Morinière
D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006044:Goiter, Nodular / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy