No abstract

COX-2 is expressed significantly in MTC including a larger area of staining and greater intensity than in nonmalignant thyroid tissue. These findings may have important treatment implications for the use of COX-2 inhibitors in patients with MTC.

Background. The authors present a case of Hiirthle cell carcinoma metastatic to the uvea in a patient with known Hiirthle cell tumor of the thyroid. The fluorescein angiogram suggested a neoplastic lesion, and the collar-button configuration resembled a malignant melanoma. However, standardized echography revealed high internal reflectivity and an irregular acoustic structure suggestive of a metastatic carcinoma. Methods. The clinical history and examination were consistent with the diagnosis of metastatic Hiirthle cell carcinoma of the eye. Results of a fine-needle aspiration biopsy and histopathology of the intraocular lesion confirmed the diagnosis. Results. Because this was the patient's better-seeing eye, the tumor was treated with an lZ5I radioactive epi-scleral plaque. Over the subsequent 27 months, the lesion demonstrated a gradual regression. Conclusions. We have not found any previously reported cases of Hiirthle cell carcinoma of the thyroid met-astatic to the eye. The diagnosis may be confirmed safely by intraocular aspiration biopsy. The lesion is responsive to radioactive plaque application. The origin, pathology , and management of this unusual tumor are reviewed. Cancer 1994; 73:163-7.