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Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery

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01-11-2007 | Original Article

Insular carcinomas of the thyroid exhibit poor prognosis and long-term survival in comparison to follicular and papillary T4 carcinomas

Authors: Ayman Agha, Gabriel Glockzin, Matthias Woenckhaus, Wolfgang Dietmaier, Igors Iesalnieks, Hans J. Schlitt

Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery | Issue 6/2007

Abstract

Background

Insular thyroid carcinoma was described as a tumor with aggressive behavior, and patients usually present themselves with an advanced tumor stage. Whether the insular component is an independent factor for poor prognosis remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we compared the survival of patients with advanced insular, follicular, and papillary thyroid cancer.

Materials and methods

The clinical behavior of tumors in three groups of patients with T4 thyroid carcinoma—8 patients with insular, 11 patients with follicular, and 21 patients with papillary thyroid carcinomas—was compared. Disease-free survival and disease-specific death were analyzed statistically. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of histotype and other prognostic factors.

Results

At 3 years, survival was 37.5% (mean 26 months) among patients with insular thyroid carcinoma, 80% (mean 59 months) among those with follicular, and 89% (mean 126 months) among those with papillary thyroid carcinomas (p = 0.007). Disease-free survival in patients without initial distant metastasis was worst in patients with insular thyroid carcinoma (20%) compared to those with follicular (75%) and those with papillary thyroid carcinomas (71%).

Conclusion

Patients with advanced insular thyroid carcinoma have a poorer outcome in comparison to patients with similar advanced stage who have follicular or papillary thyroid carcinoma.

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Title: Insular carcinomas of the thyroid exhibit poor prognosis and long-term survival in comparison to follicular and papillary T4 carcinomas
Authors: Ayman Agha
Gabriel Glockzin
Matthias Woenckhaus
Wolfgang Dietmaier
Igors Iesalnieks
Hans J. Schlitt
Publication date: 01-11-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery / Issue 6/2007
Print ISSN: 1435-2443
Electronic ISSN: 1435-2451
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-006-0122-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Insular carcinomas of the thyroid exhibit poor prognosis and long-term survival in comparison to follicular and papillary T4 carcinomas

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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