SETTLE Tumor in Pregnant Women: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Published: 2022-03-23
Page: 114-122
Issue: 2022 - Volume 5 [Issue 1]
Y. M. Y. Michelle
Breast and Endocrine Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Putrajaya, Malaysia.
M. Devalagan *
Breast and Endocrine Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Putrajaya, Malaysia.
M. Norazizah
Department of Pathology, Hospital Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Sadhana Mahamad
Breast and Endocrine Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Putrajaya, Malaysia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Spindle epithelial tumour with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is a rare tumour of the thyroid. It is even rarer when it occurs in pregnancy. In this case report, we present a case of a 30 year old pregnant patient diagnosed with SETTLE tumour. She initially presented a lump on her neck during her third trimester, she was clinically euthyroid. The biopsy of the neck lump revealed a SETTLE tumour . As the best time for surgery for this situation is unclear, the management is a challenge for both doctors and patient. In view of the indolent nature of the tumour and her condition, decision was made for a delayed Computed Tomography (CT) scan for complete assessment and for total thyroidectomy post-partum. A total thyroidectomy was successfully performed 2 months after delivery with no immediate maternal or foetal complication. In patients with SETTLE tumour, it appears safe to delay the thyroidectomy until after the post-partum period. To the author’s knowledge, this is the only SETTLE tumour in a pregnancy that has ever been reported.
Keywords: SETTLE, thyroid cancer, pregnancy, total thyroidectomy