Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Proximal Esophagus with Simultaneous Metastases to Thyroid and Sternum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Clinically significant metastatic spread to the thyroid is considered uncommon in spite of the fact that thyroid is a highly vascularized organ. Though it is not a very uncommon finding at autopsies, it is rare to be found in clinical situations, especially in an individual without a prior history of malignancy. We present an apparently healthy 66 year-old male patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the proximal esophagus presenting as a thyroid nodule along with sternal deposit as a coincidental finding. Esophageal carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the thyroid. This case highlights the importance of thorough work-up when evaluating a thyroid mass/nodule. A high index of suspicion should be kept in mind in order to detect the unusual etiologies of thyroid conditions, especially when clinicopathological features are not characteristic for primary thyroid malignancies.