Background
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland (PSCTC) is a rare malignancy, but demonstrates a very aggressive behaviour and has a poor prognosis. The best treatment is radical surgery and postoperative chemo- and radiotherapy, although there are some reports that this tumour is resistant to conservative therapy.
Patients often present with a large tumour mass on the neck with a solid consistency. Diagnosis is usually set during the operation - on a frozen section.
Case report
We present a case of a 71-year old man with weight loss and rapidly growing neck mass for the last two months. MRI showed a tumour of the left lobe of the thyroid gland, compressing the trachea and the adjacent structures. A left thyroidectomy with isthmectomy has been performed. Frozen section showed primary squamous cell carcinoma. Tumour recurrence two months later led to the second operation with the same effect. The patient died in a couple of months.
Conclusion
Because of its rarity and poor biology, treatment of PSCTC remains unsatisfactory. There are still many challenges on its origin, behaviour and prognostic factors. The results of postoperative chemo- or radiotherapy are controversial.
Key words: squamous cell cancer, thyroid disease, thyroidectomy, life expectancy
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