Background

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of thyroid is an uncommon malignancy and has poor prognosis [1]. SCC of thyroid constitutes less than 1% of thyroid malignancies and has been found fatal within one year of initial diagnosis [2]. The median age is fifth and sixth decade, but can be seen at any age. Main cause of death in these patients is secondary to respiratory interference by direct invasion or compression of the trachea [3]. When SCC of thyroid is diagnosed, the possibility of the tumor arising from adjacent organs (esophagus, larynx) or representing metastatic disease from primary growth somewhere else (lungs) must be considered before concluding the malignancy as SCC of thyroid.

The etiology of SCC thyroid is uncertain as thyroid gland lacks the squamous epithelium. However three theories have been postulated; first the embryonic nest theory suggests that squamous cells are derived from the embryonic remnants such thyroglossal duct, thymic epithelium and ultimobronchial body [4]. Second the metaplasia theory suggests that the environmental stimuli (inflammation and Hashimoto's thyroiditis) result in squamous metaplasia [5]. Third the de-differentiation theory suggests that existing papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma de-differentiate into SCC [6, 7].

Herein we present a case of 54 years old Saudi lady with locally advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of thyroid, diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was treated with radiation therapy.

Case presentation

A 54 year old Saudi female presented in our clinic with neck swelling and hoarse voice. She had noticed this swelling for 3 months and it had been rapidly increasing in size over a week causing dyspnoea and dysphagia to solids. Her previous medical history revealed type II diabetes mellitus since last 10 years and hypothyroidism since last 3 years, for that she was taking thyroxin 50 micrograms daily and metformin. She had no history of smoking and her weight was stable.

On physical examination, her vitals were stable. A fixed hard neck mass of size 8 × 8 cm was palpable in the left thyroid lobe with inflammatory surface Figure 1. There was no palpable cervical lymphadenopathy and examination of chest, heart, nervous system and abdomen was normal. Clinical differential diagnosis was anaplastic carcinoma of thyroid.

Figure 1
figure 1

A fixed hard neck mass of size 8 × 8 cm was palpable in the left thyroid lobe with inflammatory surface.

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Ultrasonography showed huge left thyroid lobe partially cystic and solid mass of size 8.5 × 9 cm. Computed tomography (CT) neck showed 10 × 10 cm mass in left lobe of thyroid, partially necrotic invading to adjacent skin and trachea and no lymphadenopathy was found Figure 2. Serum T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin and serum calcium were within normal limits. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of mass was performed, which revealed squamous cell carcinoma Figure 3. Differential diagnosis was metastatic squamous cell carcinoma from another primary location. CT chest, abdomen, pelvis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of head and neck region, pan-endoscopy, laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy and bone scintigraphy did not reveal any primary lesion or other metastatic disease Figure 4. Radiological stage was made as T4N0M0.

Figure 2
figure 2

Computed tomography (CT) neck showing 10 × 10 cm mass in left lobe of thyroid, partially necrotic invading to adjacent skin and trachea and no cervical lymphadenopathy.

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Figure 3
figure 3

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showing nests of pleomorphic cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and keratin formation along with intercellular bridging.

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Figure 4
figure 4

Bone scintigraphy showing no evidence of distant bone metastasis.

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In a multidisciplinary tumor (MDT) meeting it was labeled unresectable and patient was referred for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) after prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion. Due to retrosternal extention of disease, tracheostomy was deferred. Patient received 30 Grays (Gy) in 10 fractions to thyroid. Post radiation therapy, there was progression size of neck mass with progressive dyspnoea. Patient died of airway compromise 3 months of palliative EBRT.

Discussion

Primary SCC of the thyroid gland is an extremely rare and aggressive entity usually presents with classic triad features; (I) rapidly enlarging mass in the older patients behaving like anaplastic carcinoma, (II) it may be associated with other thyroid malignancies and (III) histological features of intercellular bridges and keratin [8–10]. FNAC is reliable and confirmatory tool, but it is mandatory to exclude the metastatic SCC [11].

Treatment with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy alone has been found ineffective in previously published similar case reports, as majority of these patients present as locally advanced cases not amenable for curative resection Table 1. The better survival rates have been achieved with aggressive combination therapy (surgery followed by adjuvant radiation therapy (50-60 Gy) with or without chemotherapy or induction chemotherapy followed by surgery) [11–16].

Table 1 Previously published case reports (2000-2012) of primary squamous cell carcinoma of thyroid
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Conclusion

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of thyroid is a rare and aggressive entity with poor prognosis. FNAC is effective confirmatory tool, but efforts shall be made to rule out metastatic SCC originating from other sites. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone are ineffective. Aggressive treatment with surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy is recommended to achieve better outcome.

Consent

Written permission was taken from the patient for publication of the case report.