Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a case report and literature review

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is a rare and highly malignant tumor. To date, there have been very few case reports on PTCD, so its treatment methods remain controversial and require more experience. The island-like, solid-like or trabecular-like structures are manifestations of histology. Most PDTCs show positive reactions for thyroid globulin and thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) in immunohistochemical tests, and some of them also show positive reactions for p53. A 55-year-old male patient presented with a left neck mass without any obvious cause. He was diagnosed with advanced PDTC. We adopted a treatment plan combining local radiotherapy and intravenous chemotherapy. The PET/CT scan showed no increased metabolic activity throughout the body. This patient has achieved complete remission. The overall survival period is currently around one year. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive review of the disease, emphasizing incidence and definition, clinical symptoms and prognosis, molecular characteristics and treatment of PDTC, which may offer valuable insights for clinical practitioners.