Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation of the thyroid in a 70-year-old man

Ann Surg Treat Res. 2018 Jun;94(6):337-341. doi: 10.4174/astr.2018.94.6.337. Epub 2018 May 29.

Abstract

Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is a very rare tumor of the thyroid gland mostly occurring in young patients. The imaging findings of SETTLE tumors are yet to be defined. However, they are usually described as well-defined heterogeneously enhanced masses on CT scan. The current case has the potential growth as compared with a 2009 chest radiography. We took into account the possibility of SETTLE in the case of a bulky mass in patients over 70 years old, particularly in the lower neck. Herein, we report a case of the oldest patient so far. The patient underwent a right lobectomy of the thyroid and mass excision. Follow-up CT scans after 6 months revealed no local recurrence. Surgery is the gold standard treatment for SETTLE. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy could be another possible option for patients with advanced stage SETTLE.

Keywords: Surgery; Thyroid neoplasms; X-ray computed tomography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports