Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid

Posted by daniela033 @daniela033, Oct 27 8:32am

Hello! My dad was just diagnosed with thyroid squamous cell carcinoma, a very rare aggressive tumor. It was diagnosed from an open biopsy of the thyroid. We are completing a PET scan and MRI this week to look for metastasis. Then we are sitting down for options with his team for options. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this type of tumor and treatment. I would greatly appreciate any information. Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Thyroid Cancer Support Group.

daniela033 | @daniela033 | 3 days ago

Thank you, Colleen! Your note is so thoughtful. They actually want him there tonight to prepare for tomorrow so I’ll be taking him shortly. My brother and I plan to take shifts tomorrow so one of us can be there the entire day. I will keep you updated.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 3 days ago

In reply to @daniela033 "Thank you, Colleen. I appreciate the follow up. We’ve met with his team again yesterday. He..." + (show)

Think of you and for the upcoming surgery tomorrow, @daniela033. We're here if you just need to talk. Waiting 14 hours is a very long day. I hope the hospital has a good system to keep you updated.

Do you have someone to be with you?

daniela033 | @daniela033 | Nov 6 10:00am

In reply to @colleenyoung "@daniela033, I added your question about squamous-cell carcinoma of the thyroid to the Thyroid Cancer support..." + (show)

Thank you, Colleen. I appreciate the follow up. We’ve met with his team again yesterday. He will have surgery on 18 Nov. it turns out, they cannot clearly distinguish if it is originating from the outer wall of the esophagus or the thyroid, although it is SCC. He will be in surgery 14 hours to remove his thyroid, most likely larynx, possibly part of the esophagus with reconstruction, evaluation of the C-spine where it seems to be reaching to as well as the carotid artery. Sounds like he will end up with a PEG and tracheostomy (stoma). They plan to do radiation and chemo (cisplatin) concurrently thereafter. I would really appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 3 8:22pm

@daniela033, I added your question about squamous-cell carcinoma of the thyroid to the Thyroid Cancer support group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/thyroid-cancer/) as well as the Cancer group.

Have you met with his team in the meantime? What treatment plan was recommended? When does he start treatment?