Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
05:39
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE): a case report
Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia
|March 1, 2013
Summary
Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) is a rare thyroid cancer. Surgery and radiotherapy effectively manage CASTLE tumors, offering a favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) is an exceptionally rare malignant thyroid neoplasm.
- This report details a case managed with surgical intervention and adjuvant external neck radiation therapy.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male presented with a palpable neck mass indicating an enlarged and indurated thyroid gland, predominantly on the right lobe.
- No palpable cervical lymphadenopathy was detected.
- Histopathological examination revealed a partially circumscribed, lobulated tumor involving both thyroid lobes, with capsular invasion and infiltration of adjacent perithyroidal muscle tissue.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of CASTLE with positive markers for CK19, CD5, and CD117, and negative markers for CK20, thyroglobulin, and calcitonin.
- Despite its malignant nature and invasive characteristics, CASTLE exhibits histopathological similarities to squamous cell carcinoma but generally presents a more favorable prognosis.
Implications:
- Preoperative diagnosis of CASTLE remains challenging.
- Total thyroidectomy combined with selective neck dissection, often followed by radiotherapy, represents the standard curative approach for CASTLE.
- The combination of surgery and radiotherapy demonstrates efficacy in managing thyroid CASTLE.
