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Carcinomatous involvement of the thyroid presenting as subacute thyroiditis
1Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Thyroid adenocarcinoma rarely causes hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis. Fine needle aspiration confirmed this rare cause, and while chemotherapy improved thyroid function, the patient succumbed to malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Thyroid cancer rarely presents as a cause of hyperthyroidism or thyroiditis.
- Adenocarcinoma extensively replacing thyroid tissue is an exceptionally uncommon etiology.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old woman presented with hyperthyroidism and subacute thyroiditis.
- Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed extensive thyroid gland replacement by adenocarcinoma.
Findings:
- Chemotherapy with vincristine and cisplatin led to resolution of thyroid swelling and increased radioactive iodine uptake.
- Mild hypothyroidism developed post-treatment, and the patient ultimately died from progressive metastatic adenocarcinoma.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration cytology in complex thyroid disorders.
- It underscores the rare but critical association between thyroid malignancy and hyperthyroid states.