Breast metastases to thyroid gland

Ultrasound Q. 2013 Dec;29(4):327-8. doi: 10.1097/RUQ.0b013e3182a80d19.

Abstract

Metastases to the thyroid gland are uncommon. We present the sonographic features of metastatic breast adenocarcinoma to the thyroid in a 67-year-old woman. The lesion measured up to 0.9 cm in diameter, contained an echogenic focus with associated ring-down, and was predominantly cystic, thereby resembling a benign nodule. Because of the patient's history of breast adenocarcinoma, the nodule nevertheless underwent fine-needle aspiration. The unusual appearance of the thyroid nodule underscores the importance of considering patient history in deciding whether obtaining tissue diagnosis of thyroid nodules is warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Ultrasonography / methods*