Published online Jul 16, 2016. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v4.i7.187
Peer-review started: February 29, 2016
First decision: April 15, 2016
Revised: April 28, 2016
Accepted: May 17, 2016
Article in press: May 27, 2016
Published online: July 16, 2016
Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid is the commonest type of thyroid cancer. Laryngeal infiltration from papillary thyroid carcinoma is extremely rare, with only a few cases of partial invasion described in the literature. We present a very unusual case of complete infiltration of both thyroid and cricoid cartilages from a neglected papillary thyroid carcinoma in a 59-year-old male. This sequel resulted from refusal of the patient to undergo treatment when initially diagnosed. An invasion to such an extent has not been described in the literature before, and in this case warranted a total laryngectomy followed by radioactive iodine. Prompt management of papillary carcinomas is crucial for avoiding such complications. Future guidelines should include management options for the patients who deny treatment initially.
Core tip: Aerodigestive tract invasion from a differentiated thyroid cancer is a very rare complication. This is the first case in the literature describing an infiltration to the thyroid and cricoid cartilages to such an extent, requiring a total laryngectomy followed by radioactive iodine treatment. Future guidelines should include management options for patients who refuse treatment during the initial stages of the disease.