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Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE): youngest reported patient
Shintaro Satoh1, Shuji Toda, Keita Narikawa
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga City, Nabeshima, Japan. satos3@cc.saga-u.ac.jp
Pathology International
|August 26, 2006
Summary
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is a rare thyroid neoplasm. This report details the youngest patient diagnosed with SETTLE, a 2-year-old girl who remains disease-free post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Pathology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is an exceptionally rare thyroid neoplasm.
- SETTLE arises from ectopic thymus or branchial pouch remnants with thymic differentiation potential.
Observation:
- A case report of SETTLE in a 2-year-old girl is presented.
- The tumor presented as a whitish, solid mass in the right thyroid lobe.
- Microscopic examination revealed spindle cells, glandular epithelium, and mucinous cystic lesions.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry showed spindle cells positive for cytokeratin AE1/3 and vimentin.
- Glandular and cystic areas were also positive for cytokeratin AE1/3.
- All tumor components were negative for common thyroid markers (thyroglobulin, TTF-1) and neuroendocrine markers.
Implications:
- This case represents the youngest reported patient with SETTLE.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of rare pediatric thyroid tumors.
- Successful surgical resection resulted in a disease-free outcome for the patient.