Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Thyroid: A Rare Entity

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Primary squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) of the thyroid is an exceptionally rare thyroid malignancy.
• Distinguishing PSCC from other thyroid cancers, such as papillary thyroid carcinoma, can be challenging.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid.
• To highlight diagnostic difficulties, including misdiagnosis by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).
• To discuss the clinical course and outcome of a patient with PSCC.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a female patient with neck swelling.
• Diagnostic procedures including fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and subsequent biopsy after resection.
• Extensive investigations to rule out secondary or other primary sites of squamous cell carcinoma.
• Treatment with chemoradiation.

Main Results:

• FNAC initially misdiagnosed the thyroid tumor as papillary carcinoma.
• Post-operative biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid.
• No other primary squamous cell carcinoma focus was identified.
• The patient succumbed to the disease within one year despite chemoradiation.

Conclusions:

• Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid is a rare and aggressive malignancy.
• Diagnostic challenges exist, and FNAC may not always be definitive.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is critical, though prognosis remains poor even with treatment.