Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid-case report of a rare disease

Abstract

Introduction: Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the thyroid gland is a very rare entity. The prognosis is very poor with a short survival time. The aim of this article is to report a case of a SCC of the thyroid gland in a 68-year-old woman, emphasizing how complicate is the operation and the adequate treatment of this disease. Case Report: A 68-year -old woman presented with rapidly growing neck mass with hoarseness and compressive symptoms. Physical examination revealed a hard fixed tumor with right sided vocal cord palsy. Histopathological result confirmed the diagnosis of SCC of the thyroid. PET/CT scan excluded the possibility of other primary malignancies. A surgical intervention was performed, however the patient died in the middle of the palliative radiation therapy. Conclusion: SCC of the thyroid gland is a great challenge for the surgeon and also for the multidisciplinary team to come up with the best treatment option which is suitable for the patient due to its unfavorable prognosis.