Do all well-differentiated thyroid cancers constitute a definite contraindication to obtaining organs for transplantation? A case report

Transplant Proc. 2003 Sep;35(6):2160-2. doi: 10.1016/s0041-1345(03)00804-2.

Abstract

In this case a thyroid gland tumor was diagnosed with fine needle aspiration (FNA) in a 34-year-old female donor of a liver fragment for living related liver transplantation. This diagnosis disqualified her as a donor. The increased incidence of thyroid cancer in Poland presents the possibility of their occurrence in potential donors. Well-differentiated thyroid papillary carcinomas larger than 1 cm in diameter, as well as follicular and medullary carcinomas (regardless their size and or clinical staging), present absolute contraindication to donation. Papillary microcarcinoma restricted to the thyroid gland (with no metastases in local lymph nodes) because of its specific behavior and almost always benign course, requires an individualized approach. It seemed that when a recipient is in a life-threatening condition, we should consider taking organs from a donor suffering of papillary microcarcinoma restricted to the thyroid gland.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Papillary*
  • Contraindications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Patient Selection
  • Thyroid Neoplasms*
  • Tissue Donors / supply & distribution*