Related Experiment Video For Next generation sequencing
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Primary secretory carcinoma of thyroid with unusual features mimicking metastasis?
Joseph Teague1, Allison Ciolino2, Mirabelle Sajisevi3
1Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Danville, PA, USA.
Introduction:
Secretory Carcinoma (SC) of the thyroid is a relatively new and often misdiagnosed cancer. Like SC of the breast and salivary gland, it is characteristically diffusely positive for S100 and Mammaglobin by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.
Methods:
Case report.
Results:
A 63-year-old female presented with neck swelling and difficulty breathing. CT scan showed a large thyroid mass. Tracheal compression and deviation required stent placement and urgent radiation. Microscopic analysis showed neoplastic cells with frequent intracytoplasmic globules, including signet-ring cells. IHC stains were inconclusive to tumor type and metastasis from an occult primary was considered. However, PET-CT scan, mammography, and upper endoscopy were negative. Next-generation sequencing was performed revealing an ETV6-NTRK3 fusion favoring SC of the thyroid.
Conclusions:
SC of the thyroid with unusual histomorphology and IHC staining may be overlooked and can mimic a metastasis. Given that a correct diagnosis critically affects prognosis and treatment, pitfalls can be avoided by utilizing molecular testing in complicated cases.
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