Journal of Shandong University (Health Sciences) ›› 2021, Vol. 59 ›› Issue (1): 83-87.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1671-7554.0.2020.1148

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Occult thyroid carcinoma: a report of a rare case and review of literature

CHAI Jiawei1, ZHU Kunbing1, LI Yaqiong2, WANG Tiantian3   

  1. 1. Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China;
    2. Department of Pathology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China;
    3. Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
  • Published:2021-01-09

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Abstract: Objective To explore the possible causes, clinical characteristics and treatment of occult thyroid carcinoma. Methods The clinical data of a case of occult thyroid carcinoma treated in our department were retrospectively analyzed and literature was reviewed. The etiology, classification, diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease were summarized. Results The possible causes of occult thyroid carcinoma included malignant transformation of ectopic thyroid tissues, limitations of pathological detection and degenerative changes of cancer cells. This disease was difficult to diagnose, and comprehensive methods were necessary to establish the diagnosis. Surgery was the major treatment. During the follow-up of 20 months, there was no disease progression in this case. Conclusion Understanding the clinical features, possible causes, diagnostic methods and surgical methods of all subtypes of occult thyroid carcinoma can improve the diagnosis rate and prognosis.

Key words: Occult thyroid cancer, Clinical classification, Diagnosis, Treatment

CLC Number: 

  • R736.1
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