Squamous-cell thyroid carcinoma

Squamous-cell thyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer that is characterized by the presence of squamous cells. This type of cancer is often associated with a poor prognosis due to its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional treatments.

Epidemiology

Squamous-cell thyroid carcinoma accounts for less than 1% of all thyroid cancers. It is more common in older adults, with a median age of diagnosis around 65 years. There is no significant gender predilection.

Pathophysiology

The pathogenesis of squamous-cell thyroid carcinoma is not well understood. It is thought to arise from squamous metaplasia of follicular cells or from the squamous epithelium of the thyroglossal duct. Some cases have been associated with chronic inflammation or radiation exposure.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with squamous-cell thyroid carcinoma often present with a rapidly enlarging neck mass. Other symptoms may include hoarseness, dysphagia, and dyspnea. On physical examination, the tumor is often firm and fixed to surrounding structures.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of squamous-cell thyroid carcinoma is typically made by fine needle aspiration biopsy. Histologically, the tumor is composed of squamous cells, which may form nests or sheets. Immunohistochemical staining is often used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The mainstay of treatment for squamous-cell thyroid carcinoma is surgical resection. However, due to the aggressive nature of this cancer, complete resection is often not possible. Adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used, but their effectiveness is limited.

Prognosis

The prognosis for squamous-cell thyroid carcinoma is generally poor, with a median survival of less than a year. Factors associated with a worse prognosis include older age, larger tumor size, and presence of distant metastases.