ISSN:
1534-4681
Keywords:
Thyroid
;
Cancer, secondary
;
Metastases
;
Goiter
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background: Secondary cancer of the thyroid gland is widely acknowledged as infrequent but is a persistent problem requiring ongoing awareness, particularly with respect to clinical recognition and treatment. Methods: From 1978 to 1993, a 15-year period, patients demonstrating secondary involvement of the thyroid gland as a surgical problem were collected and analyzed with regard to pathology, demography, behavior of primary and secondary disease, treatment, and patient outcome. Results: In the 15-year span, 11 patients with secondary involvement of the thyroid gland were recognized, consisting of 3 men and 8 women with primary lesions occurring in oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, colon, pancreas, breast, skin, unknown, kidney, and lung. Needle biopsy produced a 90% malignancy rate but in only half of such cases was the diagnosis specific for secondary malignancy. Eight of 11 underwent palliative surgery, usually total thyroidectomy. No patient survived 〉2 years. There was no undue surgical morbidity. One patient died of pulmonary embolus postoperatively. Conclusions: Secondary cancer of the thyroid is rare and can be detected by fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the face of clinical findings. Where indicated, palliative thyroidectomy can be effective, because other methods of treatment appear ineffective.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02307032
Permalink
