Solid carcinoma of the thyroid gland.Analysis of 53 cases

Abstract

Of a series of thyroid carcinomas, approximately 10% have been of the solid type. The histologic pattern of solid thyroid carcinoma is distinctive: It is the only type that contains amyloid and it is unmixed with other types. The incidence in males and females is essentially equal. Solid carcinoma tends to metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes and the mediastinum. The diseases with which it is associated brings this type into special perspective among thyroid cancers. Its histologic pattern is not a guide to the prognosis. The treatment of choice is total thyroidectomy with resection of all regional metastases. Of 33 patients who were followed for five years or more after operation, 40% had no evidence of thyroid cancer at the time of this study; 15% were living with disease; 36% had died of the disease and 9% had died of other causes.