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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
07:01
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Differentiated thyroid cancer presenting with thyrotoxicosis due to functioning metastases.
1Thyroid Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, Surrey, London, UK. masudhaq@hotmail.com
The British Journal of Radiology
|May 15, 2007
Summary
Thyrotoxicosis from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) metastases is rare. This case highlights successful treatment of lung metastases causing thyrotoxicosis with radioiodine therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with functioning metastases causing thyrotoxicosis is exceptionally uncommon.
- This report details a rare instance of follicular carcinoma presenting with thyrotoxicosis and pulmonary metastases.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old patient presented with symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, dyspnea, and lung metastases.
- Pulmonary nodule biopsy revealed well-differentiated thyroid tissue, indicative of functioning metastases.
- Imaging and dosimetry were performed following total thyroidectomy and radioiodine treatment.
Findings:
- Radioiodine administration (34.6 GBq cumulative) led to symptom resolution and near-complete eradication of pulmonary metastases.
- The patient's thyrotoxicosis resolved, and respiratory symptoms improved significantly.
Implications:
- This case underscores the efficacy of radioiodine therapy in managing rare cases of DTC with functioning metastases.
- Understanding and managing potential complications like thyroid storm and bone marrow failure is crucial for patient safety.
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