Journal of Korean Thyroid Association  2015;8(1):103-107

doi:10.11106/cet.2015.8.1.103

Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma with Gross Internal Jugular Vein Invasion and Multiple Lung Metastases.

Yong Moon LEE 1 ; Jae Hyun PARK ; Junjeong CHOI ; Keum Seok BAE ; Seong Joon KANG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma; Internal jugular vein; Lung; Invasion; Metastasis

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

A rare case of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) with gross intraluminal invasion to the internal jugular vein whose clinical manifestation was multiple lung metastases is described. A 66-year-old man was referred to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Internal Medicine, hemato-oncology subdivision for multiple lung nodules found by his regular health check-up. These lung nodules showed variable sizes with irregular shapes, and typical distributions throughout the parenchyma, which were consistent with metastatic nodules. Ultrasonography revealed a 4.5 cm sized hypoechoic mass with irregular shape in his left thyroid lobe and a huge thrombus in the left internal jugular vein. PDTCs associated with gross intraluminal invasion to the great cervical vein and multiple lung nodules as their first clinical manifestation are extremely rare. We would emphasize the importance of preoperative detailed evaluation of the disseminated disease by ultrasonography in suspected patients.