Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
07:01
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Diffuse thyroid metastasis from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Aymen Bahsoun1, Aziz Farhat2, Sami Issa3
1Radiology, University of Michigan Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA alexanderdream98@gmail.com.
BMJ Case Reports
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Thyroid metastasis from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is rare. This case highlights the importance of considering unusual metastatic sites in advanced head and neck cancers, particularly those linked to human papillomavirus.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Thyroid metastasis (TM) from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is exceptionally rare.
- The thyroid's microenvironment typically does not support metastatic spread, making such occurrences noteworthy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of diffuse thyroid metastasis from p16-positive tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.
- To emphasize the importance of considering uncommon metastatic sites in advanced OPSCC, especially HPV-related cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a male patient in his late 70s with p16-positive tonsillar SCC.
- Diagnostic workup included assessment for dysphonia, weight loss, cervical lymphadenopathy, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) for thyroid involvement.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with advanced SCC of the tonsil and bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Fine needle aspiration confirmed diffuse thyroid metastasis with p16-positive SCC.
Conclusions:
- Advanced OPSCC can metastasize to unusual sites like the thyroid gland.
- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is crucial for identifying uncommon metastatic patterns, guiding tailored treatment strategies for rare presentations.
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