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Published on: June 9, 2023
Insular carcinoma of thyroid--a case report
Rashmi Jain1, K Uma Chaturvedi, Nita Khurana
1Departments of Pathology and Otolaryngology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. dr_rashmi_jain@hotmail.com
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|November 22, 2005
Summary
Insular carcinoma of the thyroid (ICT) is a rare malignancy. This case highlights a large ICT presenting as a neck mass, confirmed by characteristic growth patterns and immunohistochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Insular carcinoma of the thyroid (ICT) is a rare thyroid malignancy, comprising 4-6% of all thyroid cancers.
- It originates from thyroid follicular cells and is defined by a distinct insular growth pattern.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old female presented with a large midline neck swelling with retrosternal extension.
- The patient was euthyroid, and diagnostic imaging revealed a massive thyroid tumor.
- Surgical intervention involved a near total thyroidectomy due to the tumor's extensive involvement of both thyroid lobes and the isthmus.
Findings:
- Gross examination confirmed a large tumor involving the entire thyroid gland.
- Microscopic examination revealed the characteristic insular growth pattern of ICT.
- Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cells were positive for thyroglobulin and negative for calcitonin, supporting follicular cell origin and ruling out medullary carcinoma.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing the clinical presentation and diagnostic features of ICT.
- Accurate diagnosis through histopathology and immunohistochemistry is crucial for appropriate management of this rare thyroid cancer.
- Further research into ICT pathogenesis and treatment strategies may improve outcomes for affected patients.
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