Published online Jan 6, 2020. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i1.179
Peer-review started: October 15, 2019
First decision: November 13, 2019
Revised: November 22, 2019
Accepted: November 30, 2019
Article in press: November 30, 2019
Published online: January 6, 2020
Neuroendocrine tumors mainly occur in the stomach, intestine, pancreas, and lung and are rarely detected in the thyroid. Thyroid neuroendocrine tumors, designated medullary thyroid carcinoma, generally present with elevated calcitonin. Calcitonin-negative neuroendocrine tumors of the thyroid are extremely rare.
Here, we present a case report of a 56-year-old female patient with a neck pain complaint. Total thyroidectomy was conducted after comprehensive evaluation, and diagnosis was confirmed as calcitonin-negative neuroendocrine tumor of the thyroid. Two months later, liver metastasis was detected, and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was subsequently performed to control growth. However, the curative effect was unsatisfactory and multiple intrahepatic metastases occurred after 3 mo.
Owing to the rarity of this disease, no clear guidelines are available for treatment. In addition to reporting this rare case, we have reviewed and summarized associated medical literature with an aim to provide a comprehensive reference platform for subsequent research.
Core tip: Calcitonin-negative neuroendocrine tumor of the thyroid is an extremely rare disorder, with past literature mostly documenting case reports. Medical imaging has revealed no specific manifestations, and current diagnosis mainly depends on pathological biopsy findings. The prognosis of thyroid neuroendocrine tumors is poorer than that of other thyroid tumors. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is not effective in cases of liver metastasis, and no improved treatments have been developed to date. This article provides a complete introduction of this case report with an aim to provide a meaningful reference for future research and trials.