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CASE REPORT article

Front. Endocrinol.
Sec. Cancer Endocrinology
Volume 15 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1349114

Oncocytic Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid with TERT Promoter Mutation Presenting as Asphyxia in an Elderly: A Case Report

Provisionally accepted
Xiqian Wang Xiqian Wang 1*Yingao Liu Yingao Liu 2*Lijie Chen Lijie Chen 3*Jie Zhang Jie Zhang 2*Ruoyu Jiang Ruoyu Jiang 2*Lei Zhang Lei Zhang 4Han Yan Han Yan 4*Jie Zhang Jie Zhang 2*
  • 1 Department of Nephrology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
  • 2 Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
  • 3 Tianjin Jizhou People’s Hospital, Jizhou, Tianjin, China
  • 4 Key Laboratory of Digital Technology in Medical Diagnostics of Zhejiang Provinces, Hangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Introduction: The prevalence of thyroid nodules and malignancies in the elderly is a growing concern. Thyroid nodules in this population have unique characteristics, requiring careful treatment strategies that balance risks and benefits. Oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid (OCA) is a rare, aggressive subtype with diagnostic challenges. Methods: This case features an 84-year-old patient who presented with a neck mass and symptoms of asphyxia. Clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and biopsy were conducted to assess the nature of the thyroid lesion. Molecular testing, including genetic analysis, was performed to identify specific mutations associated with OCA and guide treatment decisions. Results: The patient was diagnosed with oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid. The molecular testing revealed specific genetic mutations indicative of OCA, confirming the diagnosis. The presence of these mutations guided the treatment plan, emphasizing the importance of molecular diagnostics in managing thyroid malignancies, especially in the elderly.Discussion: This case illustrates the complexities of diagnosing and treating thyroid malignancies in the elderly. Biopsy and molecular testing provided diagnostic accuracy and informed treatment. Individualized approaches are essential for better outcomes, especially in aggressive subtypes, balancing the risks and benefits of intervention.

    Keywords: Thyroid Neoplasms, Carcinoma, Asphyxia, Mutation, Aged

    Received: 04 Dec 2023; Accepted: 29 Jul 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Wang, Liu, Chen, Zhang, Jiang, Zhang, Yan and Zhang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence:
    Xiqian Wang, Department of Nephrology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
    Yingao Liu, Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
    Lijie Chen, Tianjin Jizhou People’s Hospital, Jizhou, Tianjin, China
    Jie Zhang, Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
    Ruoyu Jiang, Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
    Han Yan, Key Laboratory of Digital Technology in Medical Diagnostics of Zhejiang Provinces, Hangzhou, 310030, Jiangsu Province, China
    Jie Zhang, Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China

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