Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland--a case report.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland is rare. We report here a case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland in a middle aged woman who had a thyroid nodule of 12 years duration with a recent rapid increase in size and associated with pressure symptoms. There was massive enlargement of the thyroid with retrosternal extension and fixity. Cervical nodes were also enlarged. The X-rays revealed calcification. A palliative thyroidectomy was done leaving the residual tumour behind. Endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy were required for respiratory distress in the postoperative period.