BACKGROUND: Collision Tumours of the thyroid are a rare pathology that present a diagnostic and treatment challenge. Here we present an interesting case and a review of the current literature as to inform management.
METHODS and Results: An 88 year old lady presented with acute airway compromise and vocal cord paralysis. Computer topography identified a thyroid mass and wide spread metastasis. Histopathology identified the lesion as a collision tumour consisting of a squamous cell carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma. The patient was managed with surgery and palative radiotherapy however died from complications of a lower respiratory tract infection. Furthermore we present a review of the literature with 33 cases reviewed.
CONCLUSIONS: Management of collision tumours is complex due to the duality of the pathology. They should be managed in a multidisciplinary team setting and treatment should be patient specific. Generally the most aggressive neoplasm should guide treatment. We recommend surgical management with adjunct therapy This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.