Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: Differences between Lesions in Incidental and Nonincidental Settings-Considerations on These Clinical Entities and Personal Experience.

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) represents 35-40% of all papillary cancers; it is defined as a nodule ≤ 10 mm at the time of histological diagnosis. The clinical significance of PTMC is still controversial, and it may be discovered in two settings: incidental PTMC (iPTMC), in which it is identified postoperatively upon histological examination of thyroid specimens following thyroid surgery for benign disease, and nonincidental PTMC (niPTMC), in which it is diagnosed before surgery. While iPTMC appears to be related to mild behavior and favorable clinical outcomes, niPTMC may exhibit markers of aggressiveness. We retrospectively review our experience, selecting 54 PTMCs: 28 classified as niPTMC (52%) and 26 classified as iPTMC (48%). Patients with niPTMC showed significant differences, such as younger age at diagnosis (p < 0.001); a lower male/female ratio (p < 0.01); a larger mean nodule diameter (p < 0.001); and a higher rate of aggressive pathological findings, such as multifocality, capsular invasion and/or lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.035). Other differences found in the niPTMC subgroup included a higher preoperative serum TSH level, higher hospital morbidity and a greater need for postoperative iodine ablation therapy (p < 0.05), while disease-free long-term survival did not differ between subgroups (p = 0.331) after a mean follow-up (FU) of 87 months, with one nodal recurrence among niPTMCs. The differences between iPTMC and niPTMC were consistent: patients operated on for total thyroidectomy and showing iPTMC can be considered healed after surgery, and follow-up should be designed to properly calibrate hormonal supplementation; conversely, niPTMC may sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior, and so the FU regimen should be closer and aimed at early detection of cancer recurrence.

A rare incidence of mandibular metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case report and review of literature.

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) primarily metastasizes via regional lymphatics making its spread to the oral cavity exceedingly rare. Although this disease remains the most common endocrine malignancy, comprising roughly 85%-90% of all thyroid cancers, its occurrence within the oral cavity happens in less than 1% of oral malignancies. This study identifies a case involving a 77-year-old male with a history of well-differentiated PTC that was initially treated with a total thyroidectomy and adjuvant radioactive iodine. Five years after his initial treatment, surveillance imaging demonstrated a 3 cm expansile mass of the left mandible. An incisional biopsy then confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic PTC. A segmental resection of his mandible was completed with final reconstruction utilizing a fibula free flap. Given the limited number of cases involving metastatic spread of PTC to the oral cavity, a standardized treatment algorithm does not exist. Thus, this case serves to provide a documented report of this rare occurrence and to review literature that may help other clinicians treat patients with this malignancy type. There remains a need for future studies to create risk stratification models for patients with metastatic PTC that consider margin analysis, genetic characteristics, and risk factors to tailor individual treatment plans.

Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Adolescents: Single Center Experience and Considerations for Surgical Management and Radioiodine Treatment

Objective: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in adolescents rare but with a favorable outcome, despite higher rates of cervical lymph node and pulmonary metastasis compared to adults. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate treatment of adolescents with DTC at a single center. Methods: Patients receiving postoperative radioiodine treatment (RAIT) for DTC between 2005 and 2020 at our institution were screened to identify adolescents according to the World Health Organization definition (10-19 years of age). Demographics, clinico-pathological characteristics, treatment and outcome were analyzed. Results: Among 1,897 DTC patients, 23 (1.3%) were adolescents with a median (range) age of 16 (10-18) years. The female to male ratio was 3.6:1. Sixty percent had classic papillary thyroid cancer, with follicular variant in 40%, which was higher than previously reported (15-25%) for this age group. pT-status was pT1 in 9 (39.2%), pT2 in 8 (34.8%), pT3 in 3 (13%) and pT4 in 3 (13%) patients. In 19 (82.6%) patients, central lymphadenectomy was performed and metastasis was seen in 57%. All patients received RAIT with initial activities of 1.2 (n=1, 4.3%), 2 (n=12, 52.2%) or 3.7 GBq (n=10, 43.5%). Eighteen (78.2%) patients were free of biochemical and radiologic disease at a median follow-up of 60.7 months. Second-line surgery for lymph node relapse was necessary in 3 (13%) cases. There was one disease-associated death. Conclusion: Despite high rates of metastasis, most patients were cured, and second-line surgery was rarely required. Further prospective studies are needed to determine whether less aggressive surgical management or omitting adjuvant RAIT are feasible in patients with limited stages at diagnosis.

The efficacy of adjuvant radioactive iodine after reoperation in patients with persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of adjuvant radioiodine (RAI) after reoperation in patients with persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is controversial. Although various organizations recognize that strong evidence for the use of RAI is lacking, they continue to recommend the use of adjuvant RAI therapy for select groups of patients. This is concerning as RAI therapy has potential side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms, bone marrow suppression, and gonadal damage. METHODS: Four electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized trials or observational studies that examined the outcomes of adjuvant RAI after reoperation for recurrent DTC, among patients of any age. The baseline characteristics, treatment response, disease progression, and overall survival of these studies were synthesized and reported. A meta-analysis of the use of RAI on progression-free survival was also performed. RESULTS: Six observational studies, comprising a combined cohort of 437 patients who underwent reoperation, were included from 1212 records. Adjuvant RAI after reoperation in recurrent DTC was not associated with longer progression-free or overall survival. There was also no association of RAI with excellent structural or biochemical treatment response, lower thyroglobulin levels, nor a lower rate of second recurrence or distant metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant RAI after reoperation in recurrent DTC was not associated with improved cancer or treatment-related outcomes. However, as the included studies were of inadequate quality, there is an urgent need for randomized trials and well-analyzed cohort studies. Physicians should exercise clinical judgment to prescribe adjuvant RAI for only selected, high-risk patients.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma in struma ovarii: management after surgery.

A woman in her 40s presented with a 3-month history of lower abdominal pain and intermenstrual bleeding. Ultrasound of the pelvis disclosed a 4 cm left adnexal mass. An MRI of the pelvis revealed a 2.2×3.6×2.4 cm solid, enhancing left ovarian mass. Due to high suspicion for malignancy, she underwent laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy and resection of the tumour. Histopathology revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma in the background of struma ovarii as confirmed by thyroglobulin and thyroid transcription factor-1 positivity on immunohistochemistry. BRAF mutation analysis was negative. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland showed two low-risk nodules. An iodine-123 whole-body scan showed normal uptake in the thyroid gland. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was 1.070 mcIU/mL (0.450-4.500), and thyroglobulin was 6.8 ng/mL (1.5-38.5). We risk-stratified this patient as low risk for recurrence. Risk stratification of malignant struma ovarii is essential to determine suitable thyroid targeting adjuvant therapy and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Health-Related Quality of Life following Total Thyroidectomy and Lobectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) is a major concern for patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). We aimed to systematically review the literature comparing HrQol following total thyroidectomy (TT) and hemithyroidectomy (HT) in DTC patients. A systematic review of publications indexed in Medline, Embase, and EBM reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, which evaluated HrQoL following thyroid surgery for DTC, was conducted. Of 2507 identified records, 25 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Our results suggest that patients undergoing TT may suffer more impairment in physical and social HrQoL than patients undergoing HT. Psychological-related HrQoL and long-term global HrQoL are, however, equivalent in both groups, which highlights the multidimensional nature of HrQoL and the importance of a multitude of factors aside from treatment modalities and related morbidities, such as the experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis, the fear of cancer recurrence, and other psychosocial factors. Addressing postoperative HrQoL when discussing therapeutic options with patients is an integral part of patient-centered care and informed shared decision-making, and should be approached in a holistic manner, accounting for its physical, psychological, and social aspects. This review supplies evidence regarding HrQoL following thyroid surgery, which can be employed in such decisions.

Diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

Thyroid nodules are common, usually asymptomatic, and often pose minimal risk to the affected patient. However, 10-15% prove malignant and serve as the rationale for diagnostic assessment. Safely identifying and treating a relevant thyroid cancer through a cost-effective process is the primary goal of the treating practitioner. Ultrasound is the principal means of initial nodule assessment and should be performed when any thyroid nodule is suspected. Fine-needle aspiration provides further cytological determination of benign or malignant disease and is generally applied to nodules larger than 1-2 cm in diameter, on the basis of holistic risk assessment. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology provides standardised terminology, which enhances communication among health-care providers and patients. Benign cytology is highly accurate, whereas indeterminate cytology could benefit from further application of molecular testing. The ultimate goal of diagnostic assessment of thyroid nodules is to accurately identify malignancy while avoiding overtreatment. Low-risk thyroid nodules can be safely monitored in many patients with minimal diagnostic intervention.

Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer in adult patients - Recommendations of Polish Scientific Societies and the National Oncological Strategy. 2022 Update [Diagnostyka i leczenie raka tarczycy u chorych doroslych - Rekomendacje Polskich Towarzystw Naukowych oraz Narodowej Strategii Onkologicznej. Aktualizacja na rok 2022].

The guidelines Thyroid Cancer 2022 are prepared based on previous Polish recommendations updated in 2018. They consider international guidelines - American Thyroid Association (ATA) 2015 and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN); however, they are adapted according to the ADAPTE process. The strength of the recommendations and the quality of the scientific evidence are assessed according to the GRADE system and the ATA 2015 and NCCN recommendations. The core of the changes made in the Polish recommendations is the inclusion of international guidelines and the results of those scientific studies that have already proven themselves prospectively. These extensions allow de-escalation of the therapeutic management in low-risk thyroid carcinoma, i.e., enabling active surveillance in papillary microcarcinoma to be chosen alternatively to minimally invasive techniques after agreeing on such management with the patient. Further extensions allow the use of thyroid lobectomy with the isthmus (hemithyroidectomy) in low-risk cancer up to 2 cm in diameter, modification of the indications for postoperative radioiodine treatment toward personalized approach, and clarification of the criteria used during postoperative L-thyroxine treatment. At the same time, the criteria for the preoperative differential diagnosis of nodular goiter in terms of ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy have been clarified, and the rules for the histopathological examination of postoperative thyroid material have been updated. New, updated rules for monitoring patients after treatment are also presented. The updated recommendations focus on ensuring the best possible quality of life after thyroid cancer treatment while maintaining the good efficacy of this treatment.

[Special tumor entities in the head and neck region : Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, salivary gland, and thyroid cancer]. / Spezielle Tumorentitäten im Kopf-Hals-Bereich : Nasopharynxkarzinom, Speicheldrüsenkarzinom und Schilddrüsenkarzinom.

BACKGROUND: In recent years the number of studies on special tumor entities in the head and neck region has increased. During the 2021 meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASMO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), several studies were presented which predict changes in clinical treatment algorithms for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, salivary gland, and thyroid cancer. OBJECTIVE: Future treatment alterations in specific head and neck tumor entities were evaluated after screening clinical studies presented at the 2021 ASCO and ESMO meetings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic analysis of the phase II and III clinical trials for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, salivary gland, and thyroid cancer treatment presented at ASCO and ESMO 2021 was performed. Taking into account current treatment standards, the results are structured in terms of their potential clinical significance. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In curative treatment of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, adjuvant therapy with capecitabine after primary chemoradiation should be discussed as a new standard. In the palliative treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an increasing role of immunotherapy can be predicted. Recurrent or metastatic salivary gland cancer can often be treated very effectively with targeted substances if molecular target lesions are present. Immunotherapies currently play a subordinate role; they only seem to be effective in a few patients with salivary gland cancer, who cannot currently be reliably identified using predictive markers. Patients with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer benefit from treatment with the multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor cabozantinib after failure of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI) therapy.

Application of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) guidelines to thyroid nodules with cytopathological correlation and impact on healthcare costs.

AIMS: To assess the application of American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR-TIRADS) guidelines and the potential reduction of unnecessary fine-needle aspirate (FNA) and cost savings through examination of cytopathological correlation. METHODS: All ultrasound-guided thyroid FNA performed between December 2017 and July 2019 at our institution were included in this study. Prior to performing each FNA, the nodules were scored according to ACR-TIRADS criteria with subsequent cytology scored according to Bethesda criteria. FNA request forms and preceding diagnostic ultrasound reports were analysed for clinical rationale behind each FNA. Collected data were applied to ACR-TIRADS, American Thyroid Association (ATA) and Korean TIRADS (K-TIRADS) criteria. Rate of reduction of unnecessary thyroid FNA and associated costs were subsequently calculated. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients and 146 nodules were evaluated. A malignancy rate of 7.5% was obtained. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of malignancy were 75% and 41% for ACR-TIRADS, 91% and 26% for ATA and 92% and 19% for K-TIRADS. Reduction in the rate of unnecessary FNA was most superior for ACR-TIRADS at 54.8%. Based on Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule item codes, a total of $18 452.70 might have been saved over the study period had ACR-TIRADS guidelines been uniformly followed. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the strengths and limitations of guidelines in the investigative pathway of thyroid nodules, including superiority of ACR-TIRADS in reducing the rate of unnecessary FNA. Continued education is needed towards application of guidelines among radiologists and referring clinicians, given the potential to reduce unnecessary FNA and achieve economic savings.

Thyroid cancer incidence and trends by demographic and tumor characteristics in Oran, Algeria: 1993-2013, a population-based analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Incidence rates of thyroid cancer have dramatically increased over recent decades in many countries, particularly the papillary histotype and microcarcinomas. We examined thyroid cancer incidence and trends by demographic and tumor characteristics based on 1443 patients with thyroid cancer diagnosed between 1993 and 2013 in Oran district, in Northwest Algeria. METHODS: All thyroid cancer cases were abstracted from medical records and pathology reports and classified according to the International Classification for Diseases in Oncology, third edition. Age-specific, age-standardized incidence rates per 100 000 person-years, and annual percent changes (APC) in the incidence were calculated. RESULTS: Age-standardized incidence was 11.7 per 100 000 for women and 2.0 per 100 000 for men. Thyroid cancer incidence increased over time significantly in women (APC: +3.72%; P < 0.05), mostly due to an increased incidence of the papillary histotype (APC: +5.48%; P < 0.05), and microcarcinomas (APC: +17.34%; P < 0.05). During the same time period, the incidence of follicular thyroid carcinomas decreased (APC: -3.74%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showing an upward trend of thyroid cancer incidence driven largely by increases in the papillary histotype are consistent with previous studies. The higher increase has coincided with the introduction of fine needle aspiration and thyroid ultrasound in the 1990s, and may have led to overdiagnosis. However, the increased papillary-to-follicular ratio observed over time is possibly a late effect of iodine supplementation implemented in Algeria in 1967 to combat endemic goiter. Further larger-scale population-based research is needed to gain insight into thyroid cancer etiology.

Overall survival is improved with total thyroidectomy and radiation for male patients and patients older than 55 with T2N0M0 Stage 1 classic papillary thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND: We examine whether surgery extent and radiation administration affect overall survival for cT2N0M0 classic papillary thyroid cancer according to age and sex. METHODS: Patients with cT2N0M0 classic papillary thyroid cancer tumors in the National Cancer Data Base (2004-2016) were selected. Multivariable Cox regression analysis compared patients (combined male + female cohorts) having lobectomy to those having total thyroidectomy with or without radiation (primarily radioactive iodine) for ages: 18 to 45, 46 to 55, and >55 years. In addition, 1:1 propensity score matching and Kaplan-Meier curves with 10-year overall survival estimates, and log-rank test were stratified by age and sex. RESULTS: Lobectomy had equivalent overall survival to total thyroidectomy without and with radiation for patients (combined male + female cohorts) aged 18 to 45 and 46 to 55 years on multivariable analysis. On propensity score matching there was overall survival advantage for total thyroidectomy with radiation over both lobectomy and total thyroidectomy for men (ages 18-90+ combined) and overall survival advantage in patients (combined male + female cohort) aged >55 years having total thyroidectomy with radiation versus lobectomy. On propensity score matching there were no overall survival differences in women (ages 18-90+ combined) or patients (combined male + female cohort) aged 18 to 45 and 46 to 55 years having either lobectomy, total thyroidectomy, or total thyroidectomy with radiation. CONCLUSION: For cT2N0M0 classic papillary thyroid cancer, total thyroidectomy with radiation improves 10-year overall survival for patients (combined male + female cohort) aged >55 years and men (ages 18-90+ combined).

Long-term Follow-up of a Toddler with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report with a Literature Review of Patients Under 5 Years of Age

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is extremely rare in children. Herein, we present a case diagnosed with PTC at 15 months of age. We conducted a literature review of the published cases with PTC under five years of age. A 1.25-year-old male patient had initially presented with a complaint of progressively enlarging cervical mass that appeared four months earlier. On physical examination, a mass located in the anterior cervical region with the largest measurements of around 3x3 cm was detected. Cervical and thyroid ultrasonography showed a 50x27 mm solid mass in the right lateral neck. Excisional biopsy revealed a follicular variant of PTC with capsular invasion. Subsequently, he underwent a complementary total thyroidectomy. He was diagnosed with intermediate-risk (T3N0M0) PTC. He developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. In the first year of the operation, he was treated with radioiodine ablation (RAI) since basal and stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels tended to increase. Whole-body scintigraphy was normal in the first year of RAI ablation. On levothyroxine sodium (LT4) treatment, levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and Tg were adequately suppressed. He is now 8.5-years-old and disease-free on LT4 replacement therapy for seven years and three months. Pediatric PTC has different biological behavior and an excellent prognosis compared to adults. The optimal treatment strategy for pediatric TC is total thyroidectomy, followed by RAI ablation. Post-operative management should include regular follow-up, TSH suppression by adequate LT4 therapy, serial Tg evaluation, and radioiodine scanning when indicated.

Metástasis cervical de cáncer papilar oculto de tiroides: reporte de casos / Cervical metastasis from occult papillary thyroid cancer: case report

El microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides es definido como un tumor de un cm o menos de diámetro mayor. La mayoría permanecen ocultos clínicamente, siendo un hallazgo en autopsias hasta en 36%. La presentación oculta ocurre hasta en un 10 a 26% de todas las neoplasias malignas de tiroides y se define como la presencia de ganglios metastásicos de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en ausencia de lesión primitiva tiroidea evidente durante la exploración clínica y ecográfica. El objetivo de este trabajo es el reporte de dos casos donde el diagnóstico de cáncer de tiroides se realizó a través de su presentación metastásica cervical, siendo el estudio anatomopatológico de la pieza de resección quirúrgica el que devela la presencia de un microcarcinoma papilar. Si bien el tratamiento del de estas lesiones es controversial, existen elementos que sellan la necesidad de resolución quirúrgica. En el debut metastásico ganglionar cervical, está indicada la tiroidectomía total con el vaciamiento ganglionar cervical radical modificado ipsilateral y central. El raidioyodo postquirúrgico será empleado en forma complementaria ante la persistencia, recurrencia o elementos de alto riesgo.

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is defined as a tumor one cm or less in diameter. Most remain clinically hidden, being an autopsy finding in up to 36%. Occult presentation occurs in up to 10% to 26% of all thyroid malignancies and is defined as the presence of metastatic nodes from papillary thyroid carcinoma in the absence of a primitive thyroid lesion evident on clinical and ultrasound examination. The objective of this work is the report of two cases where the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was made through its cervical metastatic presentation, being the pathological study of the surgical resection specimen that reveals the presence of a papillary microcarcinoma. Although the treatment of these lesions is controversial, there are elements that seal the need for surgical resolution. In cervical lymph node metastatic debut, total thyroidectomy with modified ipsilateral and central radical cervical lymph node dissection is indicated. Post-surgical radiation iodine will be used in a complementary way in the event of persistence, recurrence or high-risk elements.

Predictive Value of Calcium Test for Preoperative Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in Patients With Moderately Elevated Basal Calcitonin.

OBJECTIVE: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) can be very aggressive, and early diagnosis is based on routine measurement of serum calcitonin (CT) and RET genetic testing for hereditary forms. Basal serum CT (bCT) concentrations are useful in the early detection of MTC, although it is still unclear whether they can also be used for the differential diagnosis between MTC and C-cell hyperplasia (CCH). Since false-positive results can be obtained with the basal measurement of CT, a provocative test to evaluate stimulated CT (sCT) is often needed. The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of a calcium gluconate test for CT in distinguishing MTC from CCH, a precancerous condition in hereditary forms of MTCs but with unclear significance in sporadic MTCs. METHODS: A total of 74 patients underwent the calcium loading test before thyroidectomy, and bCT and sCT levels were compared with histologic results by receiver operating characteristic plot analyses. RESULTS: A peak CT level of 388.4 pg/mL after stimulation with calcium gluconate was able to significantly distinguish patients with MTC from those with CCH and those without C-cell pathology, with 81.8% sensitivity and 36.5% specificity. A bCT level of 16.1 pg/mL was able to distinguish between these 2 groups of patients with a sensitivity of 90%. CONCLUSION: High-dose calcium test is an effective procedure that can be applied for differential diagnosis of MTC and CCH. Reference ranges for calcium sCT levels and CT thresholds in different groups of patients have been identified.

Molecular Testing for Thyroid Nodules Including Its Interpretation and Use in Clinical Practice.

Despite advances in imaging and biopsy techniques, the management of thyroid nodules often remains a diagnostic and clinical challenge. In particular, patients with cytologically indeterminate nodules often undergo diagnostic thyroidectomy although only a minority of patients are found to have thyroid malignancy on final pathology. More recently, several molecular testing platforms have been developed to improve the stratification of cancer risk for patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Based on numerous studies demonstrating its accuracy, molecular testing has been incorporated as an important diagnostic adjunct in the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines as well as in the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) guidelines. This overview describes the currently available molecular testing platforms and highlights the published data to date on the clinical validity and utility of molecular testing in the contemporary management of thyroid nodules.

Graves disease and metastatic hormonal-active Hürthle cell thyroid cancer: A case report.

RATIONALE: A hormone-active metastatic Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma (HCTC) and Graves disease (GD) present a therapeutic challenge and is rarely reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present a 64-year-old male patient, who had dyspnea and left hip pain lasting 4 months. He had clinical signs of hyperthyroidism and a tumor measuring 9 cm in diameter of the left thyroid lobe, metastatic neck lymph node and metastases in the lungs, mediastinum, and bones. DIAGNOSIS: Laboratory findings confirmed hyperthyroidism and GD. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy and cytological investigation revealed metastases of HCTC in the skull and in the 8th right rib. A CT examination showed a thyroid tumor, metastatic neck lymph node, metastases in the lungs, mediastinum and in the 8th right rib measuring 20 × 5.6 × 4.5 cm, in the left acetabulum measuring 9 × 9 × 3 cm and parietooccipitally in the skull measuring 5 × 4 × 2 cm. Histology after total thyroidectomy and resection of the 8th right rib confirmed metastatic HCTC. INTERVENTIONS: The region of the left hip had been irradiated with concomitant doxorubicin 20 mg once weekly. When hyperthyroidism was controlled with thiamazole, a total thyroidectomy was performed. Persistent T3 hyperthyroidism, most likely caused by TSH-R-stimulated T3 production in large metastasis in the 8th right rib, was eliminated by rib resection. Thereafter, the patient was treated with 3 radioactive iodine-131 (RAI) therapies (cumulative dose of 515 mCi). Unfortunately, the tumor rapidly progressed after treatment with RAI and progressed 10 months after therapy with sorafenib. OUTCOMES: Despite treatment, the disease rapidly progressed and patient died due to distant metastases. He survived for 28 months from diagnosis. LESSONS: Simultaneous hormone-active HCTC and GD is extremely rare and prognosis is dismal. Concomitant external beam radiotherapy and doxorubicin chemotherapy, followed by RAI therapy, prevented the growth of a large metastasis in the left hip in our patient. However, a large metastasis in the 8th right rib presented an unresolved problem. Treatment with rib resection and RAI did not prevent tumor recurrence. External beam radiotherapy and sorafenib treatment failed to prevent tumor growth.

Current Guidelines for Management of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor originating from the parafollicular cells. The diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the condition are different from those used for well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Since the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of MTC, the latest, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European Association for Medical Oncology guidelines have been updated to reflect several recent advances in the management of MTC. Advances in molecular diagnosis and postoperative risk stratification systems have led to individualized treatment and follow-up strategies. Multi-kinase inhibitors, such as vandetanib and cabozantinib, can prolong disease progression-free survival with favorable adverse effects. In addition, potent selective rearranged during transfection (RET) inhibitors (selpercatinib and pralsetinib) have shown a promising efficacy in recent clinical trials. This review summarizes the management of MTC in recent guidelines focused on sporadic MTC.

Differentiated thyroid cancer clinical trends in Quito, Ecuador / Tendencias clínicas del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides en Quito, Ecuador

Introduction.Thyroid cancer is currently the first most common cancer in women in Ecuador. This study aimed to assess the changes in clinical presentation and diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer at a third level hospital in Quito, Ecuador.Methods and Materials.This is a retrospective case series performed in three consecutive periods from 1990 to 2019 at a tertiary level hospital, in Quito, Ecuador. The clinical records of 875 patients who had been diagnosed and surgically treated for differentiated thyroid cancer were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, imaging, and pathological data were collected and analyzed.Results. Significant trends toward older age, higher educational level, less palpable primary tumors, less palpable neck nodes, less distant metastases, more ultrasound, tomography and cytology exams, smaller primary tumors, more stage I patients, and more histological variant description, were found. Introduction.Thyroid cancer is currently the first most common cancer in women in Ecuador. This study aimed to assess the changes in clinical presentation and diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer at a third level hospital in Quito, Ecuador.Methods and Materials.This is a retrospective case series performed in three consecutive periods from 1990 to 2019 at a tertiary level hospital, in Quito, Ecuador. The clinical records of 875 patients who had been diagnosed and surgically treated for differentiated thyroid cancer were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, imaging, and pathological data were collected and analyzed.Results. Significant trends toward older age, higher educational level, less palpable primary tumors, less palpable neck nodes, less distant metastases, more ultrasound, tomography and cytology exams, smaller primary tumors, more stage I patients, and more histological variant description, were found.

Introducción. El cáncer de tiroides es actualmente el cáncer más frecuente en la mujer en Ecuador. El presente estudio ha tenido como objetivo evaluar los cambios en la presentación clínica y el diagnóstico del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides en un hospital de tercer nivel de Quito, Ecuador. Material y Métodos. El presente es un estudio retrospectivo de casos realizado en tres períodos consecutivos desde 1990 a 2019 en un hospital del tercer nivel en Quito, Ecuador. Los expedientes clínicos de 875 pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente por un cáncer diferenciado de tiroides fueron revisados. Los datos demográficos, clínicos, de imagen y patología fueron extraídos y analizados. Resultados. Se encontraron tendencias significativas hacia una edad más avanzada, nivel educativo más alto, menos tumores palpables, menos adenopatías regionales palpables, menos metástasis a distancia, más exámenes de ultrasonido y tomografía, más estudios de citología, más tumores pequeños y pacientes con estadío I y más descripciones de las variantes histológicas. Conclusiones. El cáncer de tiroides no sólo que ha aumentado continuamente en su frecuencia en los años recientes, sino que la presentación clínica, el manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico ha cambiado significativamente en las tres últimas décadas.

Evidence and controversies in management of thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to analyse the rational of the possible therapeutic approaches to thyroglossal duct cyst carcinomas (TGDCCa), especially in consideration of their potential airway involvement, discussing the most debated issues concerning employment of thyroidectomy, neck dissection and adjuvant treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: The literature is unanimous in defining the Sistrunk procedure as the baseline of surgical treatment of TGDCCa, and in equating the vast majority of thyroid-like TGDCCas to classic thyroid cancers from a biological point of view, while the rarer squamous cell carcinomas seem to behave more aggressively. Thyroidectomy, neck dissection and radioactive iodine treatment are considered for high-risk lesions, with the addition of customized partial resection of laryngeal cartilages when airway involvement is encountered. Furthermore, the analysis of thyroid mutational markers has promise for accurate prevision of more aggressive clinical behaviours. SUMMARY: Even if rare, clinicians should be aware of TGDCCa due to the possibility of incidental diagnosis and, in the case of more advanced clinical scenarios, for its potential airway involvement. Sistrunk procedure combined with thyroidectomy, neck dissection and adjuvant therapy provide excellent results in high-risk patients. Additional study of pathological thyroid markers in TGDCCa is desirable to allow more individualized treatments.