Description
The general outline of the thyroid gland is preserved but the right lobe is grossly enlarged by
nodules of tumour tissue; there are areas of necrosis present. The left lobe appears normal. The
tumour is compressing the trachea.
History
This woman presented at the age of 72 with increased difficulty in swallowing and
occasional episodes of dyspnoea which became acute and she was admitted in a state of anxiety
because of difficulty in breathing. Before a tracheotomy she had a cardiac arrest and subsequently
developed a respiratory arrest which was irreversible. She had known of a swelling in her thyroid
gland for some 50 years. At autopsy, metastatic deposits were found in lung; heart, adrenals and
local lymph nodes.