Cribriform - morular thyroid carcinoma: a rare entity.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Thyroid nodules require careful evaluation for malignancy.
• Cribriform morular thyroid carcinoma (CMTC) is a rare subtype of thyroid cancer.
• CMTC can be associated with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP).

Observation:

• A 51-year-old patient presented with a rapidly growing thyroid nodule.
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) suggested malignancy.
• Histological examination revealed a tumor with unusual morphology and immunoprofile, identified as CMTC.

Findings:

• The resected thyroid nodule was a gray-white, solid tumor.
• The tumor exhibited characteristics of cribriform morular thyroid carcinoma (CMTC).
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) was excluded; the APC gene mutation was somatic, indicating a non-hereditary cause.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare thyroid cancer subtypes like CMTC.
• Understanding the indolent nature and prognosis of CMTC is crucial for patient management.
• Differentiating sporadic CMTC from FAP-associated cases is essential for appropriate genetic counseling and surveillance.