J Endocr Surg.  2024 Mar;24(1):25-30. 10.16956/jes.2024.24.1.25.

Intrathyroidal Thymic Carcinoma Mimicking Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: A Case Report

Affiliations
  • 1Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
  • 2Thyroid Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma (ITC) is an extremely rare malignant tumor that presents a diagnostic challenge owing to its similarity to anaplastic thyroid cancer and other aggressive thyroid malignancies. We present the case of a 79-year-old woman who was initially suspected of having anaplastic thyroid cancer; however, post-operative pathology revealed an ITC. The patient underwent a palliative surgical approach consisting of right total thyroidectomy and selective neck dissection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Treatment was successfully completed without complications or relapse. This case serves as a reminder to consider ITC as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with atypical features resembling anaplastic thyroid cancer and to approach the treatment plan with careful consideration of the individual patient’s age, tumor characteristics, and prognosis.

Keyword

Thyroid neoplasms; Thyroid diseases
Full Text Links
  • JES
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2025 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr