A case of thyroid metastasis of nasopharyngeal cancer

Abstract

Aims and background Thyroid metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare occurrence. We report a case of thyroid metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a review of the literature. Methods In April 2007 a 59-year-old man was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma; in October 2009 he underwent a thyroid biopsy that revealed G2 infiltrating spinocellular carcinoma with lymph node involvement. He was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy at our institute. Results Currently, after 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with taxotere and gemcitabine, the patient is asymptomatic with stable disease and improved quality of life. Conclusion According to the literature, the treatment choice depends on clinical disease extent. Surgery and/or chemo-radiation therapy must therefore be tailored to the individual patient in order to improve clinical outcome and quality of life.