Background:
Primary thyroid angiosarcoma (TAS) is the most common of the mesenchymal
thyroid tumors, which are extremely rare and occur in a rate less than
1% [1], [2]. They show a high prevalence in Alpine areas, which
is probably related to iodine deficiency in the areas and the presence
of multinodular goiter [3], [4]. Additional predisposing factors
are reported in the literature, such as exposure to radiation and vinyl
chloride [5], [6]. It occurs mainly in adults 70 years of age,
with a higher rate in women (4.5:1 ratio) [3]. The clinical
manifestations of TAS are non-specific and vary depending on the
location, size, extension and metastases. It generally presents as an
invasive mass in the cervix causing symptoms of obstruction due to its
rapid growth, such as shortness of breath, hoarseness and dysphagia.
Fever, anemia and leukocytosis are often observed in the context of
paraneoplastic syndrome [7]. TAS is an aggressive neoplasm with poor
prognosis and resulting in death within 6-9 months due to premature
metastases to lymph nodes, lungs, bones and soft molecules [8],
[9]. TAS is reported to be a very rare entity, with a recent
literature review recording 59 cases [8]. Herein we describe the
60th case of a 69-year-old female patient from Greece.