Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx or Hypopharynx Clinically Manifestating as Thyroid Tumor-A Case Report

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell cancer is common in several regions of the world in which there is extensive use of tobacco and high consumption of alcohol. The clinical manifestations of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx sometimes can mimic thyroid cancer. Here we report a case of 72-year-old male who presented with hoarseness, body weight loss, dyspnea and appearance of enlarged neck mass, which mimicked a thyroid tumor. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodule was suspicious of suppurative thyroiditis. Computerized tomography of neck showed suspicious thyroid cancer with airway compression. He received total thyroidectomy. The pathologic report of thyroid was keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma from larynx or hypopharynx. Then the patient underwent total laryngectomy. However, he had progressive enlargement of left neck mass and expired later even after radical neck and lymph nodes dissection. In conclusion, laryngeal cancer may present as thyroid tumor. Correct preoperative evaluation such as ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology, immunohistochemical stain, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and even large bore needle biopsy are needed to avoid unnecessary operation.