J Korean Thyroid Assoc.  2015 May;8(1):117-120. 10.11106/cet.2015.8.1.117.

A Case of Rhabdomyosarcoma Presenting a Rapidly Growing Thyroid Mass Showing Cytological Features Mimic Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

• Jin YJ
• Kim HG
• Kwon SK

• KMID: 2149630
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/cet.2015.8.1.117

Abstract

This is a case of a 30-year-old man who was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a rapidly growing tumor in the left thyroid gland. It was palpated 2 weeks ago. But it was growing fast. A 4x3 cm mass was palpated in the left thyroid gland. Our impression was anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Computed tomography finding indicated a thyroid malignant tumor and cytology result suggested spindle cell neoplasm. A lower anterior neck mass was resected and final histopathological result turns out to be a rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Although cervical RMS is very rare in adults, it has to be included for the differential diagnosis for the rapidly growing mass at thyroid gland.

Keyword

Rhabdomyosarcoma; Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Adult
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Neck
Rhabdomyosarcoma*
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroid Neoplasms*

Figure

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  Fig. 1. CT scan showed a tumor occupying the left thyroid. The left thyroid was compressed by the tumor.

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  Fig. 2. Intraoperative exposure. Mass (white arrow) was very closely attached to superior and posterior portion of left thyroid gland. However, it was separated well without invasion into adjacent tissue.

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  Fig. 3. Pathological examination showing rhabdomyosarcoma. Numerous rhabdomyoblasts containing abundant eosinophilic cytoplasms and occasional strap cells (Hematoxylin & Eosin stain, ×400).

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  Fig. 4. Immunohistochemical staining showing positivity for myogenin (×200).

Reference

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