Spindle Epithelial Tumor with Thymus-like Element (Settle): a Case Report

Abstract

Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like element (SETTLE) is a very rare malignant neoplasm of the thyroid. It is generally encountered in children, adolescents, and young adults Objective: We aimed to present a patient with SETTLE and to review the clinical and pathologic features of this rare tumor. A 13-year-old male patient presented to our clinic with complaints of a rapidly growing lump on his neck. There was no evidence of distant metastases at time of presentation. A total thyroidectomy was performed. Lymph node dissection was not performed. On the first postoperative day, the patient was discharged uneventfully. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a SETTLE in our case. During 1 year of follow-up, the patient had no complaints or symptoms, without tumor recurrence on imaging studies. Although SETTLE is a very rare entity, it should be considered when diagnosing rapidly growing masses in the thyroid, especially in younger patients.