[Pharyngoesophagolaryngeal metastases of medullary thyroid carcinoma. A case report]

Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2003 Dec;64(6):448-52.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report the case of a patient with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) who presented multiple pharyngoesophagolaryngeal metastases detected by flexible laryngoscopy. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis after resection with CO2 laser under direct laryngoscopy. Because of worsening dyspnea, complete circular pharyngolaryngectomy was performed with reconstruction of the pharyngeal region with a major pectoralis musculocutaneous flap. The postoperative period was satisfactory. At 17 months, calcitonin level was elevated; subcutaneous cervical metastases of the MTC developed and were resected. At 27 months, oral nutrition and phonation remained satisfactory. We discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies used for this very unusual form of locoregional spread of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
  • Calcitonin / blood
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / blood
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / surgery
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Laryngectomy / methods
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Larynx, Artificial
  • Lymph Node Excision
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Prosthesis Implantation
  • Remission Induction
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / blood
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thyroidectomy

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Calcitonin