A Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid Gland

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 1990;6(2):91-96.
Published online November 30, 1990.

Jin Woo Roh;Sang Choon Lee;Soo Jung Lee;Koing Bo Kwun;Hae Joo Nam

갑상선 편평 세포암 1예

노진우;이상춘;이수정;권굉보;남해주

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland is an extremely rare primary neoplasm, comprising only 1.1% of all primary thyroid cancers. The cancer is characterized by rapidly progressive clinical course in spite of its differentiated morphologic feature. Histogenetic origin of the cancer has also been debated. In most cases, a squamous epithelium is believed to be a result of metaplasia of a follicullar epithelium, although in rare exceptions, it can originate from a remnant of the thyroglossal duct or ultimobrachial body. Squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid can occur in a pure form or mixed with adenocarcinoma; the latter may be designated as adenoacanthoma. Because this lesion typically runs a fulminant course, radical surgical resection at the earliest opportunity offers the best hope for cure. The lesions are usually radioresistant, and chemotherapy has not been shown to alter the course of this disease. We experienced a case of squamous carcinoma of the thyroid. This report summarize our experience and review of the literatures.