Metastasis to Thyroid from Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Series and Review of Literature.

Abstract

Metastasis to the thyroid gland from a squamous head and neck primary is extremely rare. We present three cases of recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with squamous metastasis to the thyroid gland. The surgery was done in two cases where the disease was resectable and limited, whereas due to extensive disease, the third case was managed with palliative chemotherapy. There was an early disease progression in all patients, including those treated surgically. Due to the limited number of reported cases of head and neck squamous cell cancers metastasizing to the thyroid gland, data regarding their prognosis and management is insufficient. We still need further data to identify patients who can benefit from surgical resection in such scenarios.