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Diagnostic Pathology
Published in: Diagnostic Pathology 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Case Report

EBV-associated lymphoepithelioma-like thyroid carcinoma with favorable outcome: case report with cytopathologic and histopathologic study

Authors: Chih-Yi Liu, Shih-Hung Huang

Published in: Diagnostic Pathology | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare entity among thyroid tumors. Based on the limited number of case reports that exist, the association of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) with primary thyroid LELCs seems inconsistent.

Case presentation

We present a confusing cytological case of lymphoepithelioma-like thyroid carcinoma with expression of EBV. The patient presented with a central neck mass and bilateral lymphadenopathy. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed three-dimensional and syncytial fragments of epithelioid cells accompanied by small lymphocytes. The surgical specimen of resected thyroid tumor disclosed typical histopathological features of LELC. Metastatic papillary carcinoma was also discovered in the metastatic lymph nodes. In situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER-ISH) was positive in the tumor cells. Negative immunoreactivity for TTF-1, Pax-8, and CD5 was observed. The patient is currently undergoing regular follow-up and is 1 year and 10 months postresection with no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions

Long-term survival is discussed in relation to this variant of thyroid carcinoma, which might differ in behavior from anaplastic carcinoma. Further investigation is required to elucidate the clinical significance of EBV expression and progression of this unique variant of thyroid carcinoma.
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Metadata
Title
EBV-associated lymphoepithelioma-like thyroid carcinoma with favorable outcome: case report with cytopathologic and histopathologic study
Authors
Chih-Yi Liu
Shih-Hung Huang
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Diagnostic Pathology / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1746-1596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13000-018-0713-0

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