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Rectal carcinoma metastatic to the thyroid gland
T W Mesko1, J Friedman, H Sendzischew
1Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Metastatic rectal cancer to the thyroid is rare. This case highlights the importance of considering secondary thyroid malignancy in cancer survivors presenting with neck masses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Thyroid metastases are uncommon, especially from colorectal primaries.
- Antemortem diagnosis of thyroid metastases is challenging.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old woman with a history of rectal carcinoma presented with back pain and a thyroid mass.
- Imaging and biopsy confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma in the thyroid.
- Synchronous metastases were found in the lumbar spine and kidneys.
Findings:
- The thyroid tumor was identified as metastatic adenocarcinoma originating from the patient's prior rectal cancer.
- This represents a rare instance of colorectal cancer metastasizing to the thyroid gland.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider secondary thyroid malignancy in patients with a history of cancer, particularly those with unexplained neck masses.
- This case underscores the diverse metastatic potential of colorectal carcinoma.