Title:Thyroid Metastases from Breast Cancer Case Report and Literature Review
Volume: 25
Issue: 1
Author(s): Yumei Guan, Qinjun Ma, Yiqing Zhang, Jiuda Zhao*Xinjian Guo*
Affiliation:
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Pathology Department, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
Keywords:
Breast neoplasms, neoplasm metastasis, thyroid neoplasms, case reports, review, metastatic thyroid cancer.
Abstract:
Background: Thyroid metastasis arising from primary breast cancer is a rare phenomenon,
with only a handful of cases documented in both national and international literature. The
management approach and prognosis of this occurrence have sparked debates and uncertainties.
Case Presentation: Herein, we report the case of a 55-year-old woman with breast cancer. She previously
underwent extensive excision of the breast lesion with adjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine
therapy. After 9 years, she presented with neck discomfort and examination suggested
right thyroid metastasis and lymph node metastasis in the neck. Imaging showed pulmonary and
bone metastases. Furthermore, the patient received endocrine therapy. After 7 months of follow-
up, the patient survived without any new distant metastases. Thyroid metastases originating
from breast cancer often unfold with a subtle, intricate nature, making early detection challenging.
They tend to emerge inconspicuously, intertwining with widespread systemic metastases, hinting
at a less favorable prognosis.
Conclusion: Given the unusual clinical indicators, identifying heterochronic thyroid metastases in
patients with tumors poses a distinct challenge, requiring clinicians to navigate the follow-up process
with heightened sensitivity. The key lies in timely detection and early intervention, factors
that can significantly enhance the overall quality of life for patients.
