Extrathyroid carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) tumor--a new case report and review of literature

Head Neck. 2005 Oct;27(10):927-33. doi: 10.1002/hed.20237.

Abstract

Background: We report a case of extrathyroid carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) tumor.

Methods: A 47-year-old man had a left neck mass that gradually enlarged over approximately 3 months. Sonography and CT scans showed a soft tissue mass located at the left parapharyngeal space with displacement of left carotid artery and submandibular gland.

Results: After total excision, the pathologic diagnosis was CASTLE tumor. The patient then received radiotherapy with a total dosage of 6600 cGy. After 21 months of postoperative follow up, there was no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusion: Generally, the treatment of choice is surgical excision with or without radiotherapy. Because CASTLE tumors have been reported to be radiosensitive, however, and because local recurrence is common, surgical excision with postoperative radiotherapy is suggested.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • CD5 Antigens
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thymoma
  • Thymus Gland

Substances

  • CD5 Antigens