Thyroid carcinoma metastases to bone

Abstract

Bone metastases occur in 10%-30% of all cancer patients (1). Although thyroid carcinoma accounts for only 1% of all reported malignancies (2), it is one of the top five cancers that most frequently produce bone metastases. Manifestations of thyroid cancer generally vary because of the different types of thyroid malignancies. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are frequently referred to as differentiated, because they trap iodine, respond to radioiodine therapy, and synthesize and secrete thyroglobulin. However, within this group, some tumors become poorly differentiated and may lose or not exhibit one or more of these features. Poorly differentiated, undifferentiated, and medullary thyroid cancers tend to behave aggressively and often produce distant metastases. Medullary thyroid cancer is not iodine-avid and cannot be identified with radioiodine scans or treated with radioactive iodine. Similarly, poorly differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid cancers may exhibit reduced or no iodine avidity. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.