Thyroid gland invasion in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx

Abstract

Invasion of the thyroid gland is uncommon in the context of laryngopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Clinical and pathological features such as invasion of the anterior commissure, subglottis and cricoid cartilage are more associated with glandular invasion.

Thyroid Gland Involvement and the Efficiency of Thyroidectomy in Patients Having Larynx and Hypopharyngeal Cancers Treated with Surgery

“…The thyroid gland and larynx are anatom-ically close together. Logically, this anatomical closeness leads to a possible thyroid gland involvement in larynx and hypopharynx cancers (1). The rate of thyroid gland involvement in larynx and hypopharynx cancers has been reported from 5% to 30% in various studies (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8).…”

“…Larynx cancers are the most common malignancies that are diagnosed in the head and neck. Their incidence rate is so much higher in men than women (1). Timely diagnosis, correct staging, and the right choice of treatment for each individual patient are required for having the successful treatment of the disease.…”

“…There are no exact statistics available regarding the consequences of the larynx and hypopharyngeal cancer surgery and the efficiency of thyroidectomy in Iran. There are different recommendations for the thyroidectomy during surgery that vary from total thyroidectomy in all patients to thyroidectomy in case of direct observation of invasion (1)(2)(3). In fact, the hormones secreted from the thyroid gland play critical roles in the evolution of different body systems and the differentiation of various cells (11).…”

How reliably can computed tomography predict thyroid invasion prior to laryngectomy?

“…The main route of spread of malignancy from the larynx to the thyroid appears to be direct invasion through the cartilage or adjoining membranes, rather than hematogenous or lymphatic . It has been shown that involvement of the subglottis carries a significantly higher risk of thyroid invasion . It has also been suggested that poorly differentiated cancers may have a propensity for thyroid invasion, although currently the evidence to support this is low …”

“…1,2,4,5 It has been shown that involvement of the subglottis carries a significantly higher risk of thyroid invasion. 2,4,[6][7][8] It has also been suggested that poorly differentiated cancers may have a propensity for thyroid invasion, although currently the evidence to support this is low. 9 This study aimed to test the usefulness of preoperative computed tomography (CT) in predicting histological involvement of the thyroid.…”