Therapeutic challenges in metastatic follicular thyroid cancer occurring in pregnancy: A case report

BACKGROUND Hormones could play a role in the evolution of follicular thyroid cancer（FTC） for which we discuss an unusual presentation of FTC occurring during pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY A pregnant woman was admitted with FTC metastasis resulting in a gluteal mass. Preoperative abdominal computed tomography revealed liver metastasis for which the patient underwent total thyroidectomy and liver resection, oral radioiodine therapy and radiotherapy, followed by embolization of the pelvic mass. The patient died of cerebral hemorrhage 16 mo after the initial diagnosis.CONCLUSION Human chorionic gonadotropin and estrogen stimulation might have a role in cancer growth, especially during pregnancy. FTC management aims to stop disease progression and overcome hormonal imbalances after thyroidectomy thus reducing fetal complications. It is still under debate whether it is possible to combine optimal timing for treatment to ensure the best possible outcome with reduction of fetal complications and risk of cancer growth.