Differentiated thyroid papillary carcinoma with cerebellar metastasis: A case report

Abstract

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has usually good prognosis and long-term survival. DTC distant metastasis rate is 5-15%. The major sites of distant metastases are the lung and bone. Metastases to the cerebrum, breast, liver, kidney, muscle, and skin are rare or relatively rare. A study of the molecular mechanisms of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has demonstrated that the BRAFV600E gene mutation was a significant event in the process of this disease. These mutations in PTC are associated with extrathyroidal spread, lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence and mortality. We present a 55-year-old male patient with PTC with lung, bone, liver, adrenal and cerebellar metastases, in whom BRAF mutation was positive. Metastasis to cerebrum is rare in DTC. Distant metastasis may show different symptoms, according to the region. Positive BRAFV600E gene mutation may indicate agresiveness of PTC.