Open Access

Clinical analysis of 82 cases of carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation of the thyroid

  • Authors:
    • Wei Ge
    • Yong‑Zhong Yao
    • Gang Chen
    • Yi‑Tao Ding
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: December 24, 2015     https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2015.4055
  • Pages: 1321-1326
  • Copyright: © Ge et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of carcinoma showing thymus‑like differentiation of the thyroid (CASTLE). A search of the relevant literature was conducted, which identified 82 cases of CASTLE reported to date. A review of the clinical and auxiliary examination data, treatment, pathological findings and follow‑up of these cases was performed. The clinical manifestations of CASTLE varied and did not demonstrate specificity. During ultrasound examination, CASTLE was described as a solid and hypoechoic mass, and the echo was typically observed to be heterogeneous. In computed tomography (CT), CASTLE was demonstrated to be a well‑defined, soft tissue density mass without calcification, which appeared enhanced following administration of contrast medium. In emission CT, CASTLE was revealed as a ‘cold nodule’. A total of 78 patients underwent radical surgery, and 12 patients experienced recurrence. Lymph node metastasis did not promote recurrence, and postoperative radiation was not able to reduce the recurrence rate (P=0.144 and 1.000, respectively). The median follow‑up time was 14 months (range, 1‑312 months). Typical immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated the specimens to be positive for cluster of differentiation (CD)5, CD117, cytokeratin 19, epithelial membrane antigen and tumor protein 63, and negative for calcitonin, thyroglobulin and thyroid transcription factor‑1. Thyroid CASTLE is a rare malignancy whose exact diagnosis relies on pathological examination, particularly immunohistochemistry, since preoperative examinations are usually unable to provide an exact diagnosis. Radical resection is the primary treatment for CASTLE, which presents favorable prognosis.
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February-2016
Volume 11 Issue 2

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Spandidos Publications style
Ge W, Yao YZ, Chen G and Ding YT: Clinical analysis of 82 cases of carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation of the thyroid. Oncol Lett 11: 1321-1326, 2016.
APA
Ge, W., Yao, Y., Chen, G., & Ding, Y. (2016). Clinical analysis of 82 cases of carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation of the thyroid. Oncology Letters, 11, 1321-1326. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2015.4055
MLA
Ge, W., Yao, Y., Chen, G., Ding, Y."Clinical analysis of 82 cases of carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation of the thyroid". Oncology Letters 11.2 (2016): 1321-1326.
Chicago
Ge, W., Yao, Y., Chen, G., Ding, Y."Clinical analysis of 82 cases of carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation of the thyroid". Oncology Letters 11, no. 2 (2016): 1321-1326. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2015.4055