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Papillary thyroid carcinoma occurring with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: A case report
Yu-Li Lee1, Ya-Qiong Cheng1, Chen-Fang Zhu1
1Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Discipline Construction Research Center of China Hospital Development Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China.
This case report details a rare instance of coexisting papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) in a single patient. The aggressive nature and poor prognosis of this dual diagnosis underscore the need for increased clinical and pathological awareness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most prevalent thyroid malignancy.
- The simultaneous occurrence of PTC and sarcoma within a single patient is exceptionally rare.
- This report documents a unique case of coexisting PTC and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), a combination not previously indexed in PubMed.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male presented with a rapidly enlarging neck mass.
- Diagnostic workup, including fine-needle aspiration, confirmed thyroid malignancy.
- Surgical intervention (total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection) was performed.
Findings:
- Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the presence of both PTC and UPS.
- Genetic testing revealed BRAF and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mutations.
- The patient experienced rapid disease progression and metastasis, succumbing to the illness four months post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the distinct pathological features and genetic underpinnings of coexisting PTC and UPS.
- The aggressive clinical course and unfavorable prognosis associated with this rare dual malignancy necessitate heightened awareness among clinicians and pathologists.
- Early recognition and understanding of this rare tumor combination are crucial for potential future management strategies.
