Primary thyroid squamous cell carcinoma – a Scottish National Case Series

Abstract

Aim To present our national case series on primary thyroid squamous cell carcinoma (PTSCC) and add to the current literature about this rare and aggressive disease. Methods Scottish pathology departments were contacted and asked to provide details of patients with the diagnosis of PTSCC from the last 10 years. Three patients were included. Results Patients 1, 2 and 3 underwent surgical resection. Patients 1 and 3 went on to receive chemoradiotherapy. Patient 1 received nivolumab. Patient 1 died 10 months following diagnosis. Patient 2 and 3 are currently living with no recurrence, over two years post-diagnosis. Conclusion This case series has demonstrated an unusually good set of outcomes for a classically rapidly progressing disease with poor survival rates. This raises the question whether there is a subgroup of PTSCC associated with better outcomes and lower mortality. A patient-centred approach will give optimal patient management.