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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

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Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
[Thyroid metastasis of lung cancer and abnormal thyroid function--a case report]
G Wirtz1, E Quoix, F Grunenberger
1Service de pneumologie, CHU de Strasbourg, 1, place de l'Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
Revue De Pneumologie Clinique
|March 25, 2009
Summary
Thyroid metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma is rare and usually asymptomatic. This case highlights painful thyroid involvement, temporary hyperthyroidism, and subsequent hypothyroidism, successfully treated with chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Thyroid gland metastasis is uncommon, typically asymptomatic.
- Pulmonary adenocarcinoma rarely metastasizes to the thyroid.
Observation:
- A patient presented with painful thyroid metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma.
- Initial symptoms included temporary hyperthyroidism, followed by hypothyroidism with positive antithyroglobulin antibodies.
- 18-FDG PET scan revealed diffuse hyperfixation, and ultrasonography showed hypoechogenic nodules.
Findings:
- Fine needle biopsy confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma in the thyroid nodules.
- Chemotherapy with cisplatin and docetaxel led to complete regression of thyroid metastasis.
- Thyroid function significantly improved post-chemotherapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare metastatic sites in cancer patients.
- Early detection and treatment of thyroid metastasis can improve patient outcomes.
- Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for managing thyroid metastases from lung adenocarcinoma.
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