Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland is a rare form of cancer. As part of the differential diagnosis, metastases or direct extension from an extra-thyroidal primary tumor must always be ruled out. We report on a 59-year-old patient presenting with a 3.9-cm cold nodule on thyroid scintigraphy. A total thyroidectomy was performed and the final histopathological evaluation revealed an undifferentiated, primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland, tumor stage pT2 pN0 (0/56), L0 V0 R0. On the basis of the R0 resection, tumor size and negative nodal status, we recommended regular postoperative follow-up examinations without adjuvant radiochemotherapy.