Spindle Epithelial Tumor with Thymus-like Element (SETTLE): A Case Report

Abstract

Objective – Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like element (SETTLE) is an extremely rare neoplasm of the thyroid gland. We present the first case of SETTLE in Croatia.Case Report – A 17-year-old girl with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was presented with an asymptomatic solitary thyroid nodule. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was suggestive of SETTLE. The patient underwent hemithyroidectomy and immunohistopathology confirmed the diagnosis. There is no evidence of local or distant disease recur- rence at 8 years after surgery. Conclusion – SETTLE should be included in the differential diagnosis of thyroid gland tumors in children and adolescents. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment. Due to possible late metastases, a close and long-term follow-up is recommended.