Tumor-to-Tumor Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma to a Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common renal malignancy. It has a variable clinical course with metastasis to unusual sites occurring months to years after the initial diagnosis. However, metastasis can also be the first presentation of RCC. Although relatively uncommon, the thyroid gland is the most common location for RCC metastasis in the head and neck region. Tumor-to-tumor metastasis is an exceedingly rare occurrence. Only 10 cases were reported of RCC metastasis to primary thyroid neoplasms. We present a case of clear cell RCC metastasizing to a follicular of variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) 14 years after the initial diagnosis of RCC. A review of similar reported cases revealed that the most common primary thyroid recipient of tumor-to-tumor metastasis of RCC was FVPTC. The rich lymphovascular network in FVPTC compared to other thyroid tumors, which may promote the deposition of metastatic tumor cells, might explain this predilection. Careful review of the clinical and radiological findings and checking for any history of malignancy when examining thyroid nodules is important for guiding further studies. Performing a targeted panel of immunohistochemical stains for any suspicious areas is also essential for the diagnosis of such unusual cases.