Primary thyroid squamous cell carcinoma - a Scottish National Case Series

Abstract

Aim: To present our national case series on primary thyroid squamous cell carcinoma (PTSCC) and add to the current literature about this rare and aggressive disease.

Methods: Scottish pathology departments were contacted and asked to provide details of patients with the diagnosis of PTSCC from the last 10 years. Three patients were included.

Results: Patients 1, 2 and 3 underwent surgical resection. Patients 1 and 3 went on to receive chemoradiotherapy. Patient 1 received nivolumab. Patient 1 died 10 months following diagnosis. Patient 2 and 3 are currently living with no recurrence, over two years post-diagnosis.

Conclusion: This case series has demonstrated an unusually good set of outcomes for a classically rapidly progressing disease with poor survival rates. This raises the question whether there is a subgroup of PTSCC associated with better outcomes and lower mortality. A patient-centred approach will give optimal patient management.

Keywords: Thyroid squamous cell carcinoma; endocrine surgery; head and neck cancer; oncology.