Bone metastases caused by thyroid carcinoma treated in 1999 with thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy.
The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy for carcinoma and histological exam revealed a papillary-follicular (differentiated) cancer presenting perithyroid tissues invasion. Therefore she underwent a radioiodine therapy but, after this treatment, the total-body scintigraphy showed bone metastases located in the lumbo-sacral spine. Radioiodine therapy was repeatedly administered to the patient with no evidence of disease worsening until 2005, when the patient began to suffer from dorsal-lumbo-sacral pain, bilateral paresthesia of inferior limbs and increase of the serum thyroglobulin level. She underwent a total-body scintigraphy and a CT exam which showed the progression of bone metastases. These lesions, even if treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy, progressed involving right iliac ala and ischiopubic bone, left acetabular-pubic region and dorsal vertebra (D 10). In December 2007 the patient underwent a CT exam of chest and abdomen. The resulting images (herewith attached) show the differences between the large lesion located on the right iliac ala (treated with radiation therapy several times) and the recent vertebral lesion.
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and papillary carcinoma is the most common subtype of the thyroid neoplasms. It has a relative frequency ranging from 75% to 85% among all thyroid cancers and frequently follows a benign course. The presence of previous cases in close relatives is unlikely to increase the risk for thyroid cancer; the strongest known factor is previous exposure to radiation. Metastases are an uncommon event occurring in approximately 9% of all patients with a diagnosis of thyroid cancer; when they occur, lung and bone are preferentially affected. Differentiated thyroid carcinoma is one of the most curable cancers and the prognosis of metastatic disease is more favorable than other carcinomas. It is characterized by a slowly progressive course and there are not significant differences in survival curves by age, sex, metastases site, histopathology or interval to distant metastases. Routine thyroid function exams are unlikely to raise suspicions for thyroid cancer, conversely serum thyroglobulin, a marker of differentiated forms, has proven useful. Lungs are the most frequent distant metastases site in thyroid cancer, occurring in 7% of all papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and >80% of those with multiple metastases. Furthermore, nearly half of the deaths in thyroid cancer are caused by pulmonary failure. Incidence of bone metastases ranges from less than 1% to more than 40% and it varies according to the primary tumor type and to the tumor differentiation. Multiple metastatic lesions are mainly treated by radioiodine therapy (differentiated thyroid carcinomas), L-thyroxine, radiotherapy in case of isolated radio-sensitive lesions and chemotherapy. Palliative resection is indicated to improve quality of life for patients with symptomatic bone lesions associated with pain, pathologic fractures, neurological symptoms from spinal cord compromise or central nervous system metastases. Complete metastasectomy results in slightly improved survival rates in patients with localized metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer.
Bone metastases in patient with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
Based on the provided CT imaging data, there is evidence of varying degrees of bone destruction in the thoracic vertebrae, ribs, and certain areas of the pelvis or lumbar spine. These lesions often appear as osteolytic changes, with some regions showing marginal sclerosis or irregular cortical bone damage. No large soft-tissue masses are observed around the lesions, but local cortical thinning and potential cortical breach are noted. No definitive pathological fracture is identified on imaging; however, vigilance is required regarding fracture risk due to decreased bone strength. Overall, these findings are consistent with multiple bone metastases.
Based on the patient’s previous history of thyroid cancer, the presence of multiple osteolytic lesions on imaging, and her clinical background of thyroidectomy plus radioactive iodine treatment, the most likely diagnosis is differentiated thyroid carcinoma (papillary) with multiple bone metastases. For further clarification of lesion characteristics, serum thyroglobulin (Tg), imaging follow-up, or bone biopsy could be used for comprehensive evaluation.
Given the patient’s increased bone fragility and potential risks associated with bone metastases, rehabilitation must be gradual, individualized, and safety-conscious. Following the FITT-VP principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Volume/Progression), we propose the following initial guidelines:
Careful monitoring of pain levels, lesion stability, and overall health status is essential. If pain noticeably worsens, symptoms deteriorate after exercise, or if new fracture risks emerge, promptly reassess and adjust the rehabilitation plan.
Disclaimer:
The above report is for reference only and cannot substitute for an in-person consultation or professional physician advice. Specific treatment decisions should be made based on the patient’s clinical presentation, laboratory results, pathology findings, and the attending physician’s comprehensive judgment.
Bone metastases in patient with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.