Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41491191›Full record

ArticleThyroid research2026

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma in identical twins: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

Amal El Masri, Celine El Moughrabi, Anas El Zouhbi, Anthony Shebly, Hala Kassouf, Mustafa Natout, Yusef Hazimeh, Mustapha El Lakis

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Article in Thyroid research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Amal El Masri *Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Celine El Moughrabi *Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Anas El Zouhbi *Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Anthony SheblyDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Hala KassoufDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Mustafa NatoutDepartment of Radiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Yusef HazimehDepartment of Endocrinology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Mustapha El LakisFaculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. ml16@aub.edu.lb.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPoorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is a rare, aggressive thyroid malignancy. While thyroid cancer has been reported in monozygotic twins, the occurrence of PDTC in this context is exceptionally uncommon. Such cases may offer unique insights into the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in thyroid cancer development. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of 67-year-old monozygotic twin sisters, both diagnosed with thyroid malignancies with discordant histology. Patient A presented with a 5.5 cm PDTC with local invasion and distant metastases. She underwent total thyroidectomy and lymphadenectomy followed by radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Patient B had a history of recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) over several years, managed with multiple surgeries and RAI. Despite their identical genetic background, the twins developed distinct thyroid cancer subtypes, with varying ages of onset and clinical courses. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the heterogeneous presentation of thyroid malignancies in genetically identical individuals, suggesting a potential role for environmental or epigenetic factors in tumorigenesis. A review of the literature on thyroid cancer in monozygotic twins indicates a general pattern of similar pathology and age at diagnosis, contrasting with the discordant phenotypes seen in our patients. PDTC poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its aggressive nature and limited response to conventional therapies. Advances in molecular profiling and targeted treatments may help improve management and outcomes.

conclusionThe occurrence of discordant thyroid cancer subtypes in monozygotic twins is exceedingly rare and emphasizes the need for further studies exploring genetic and epigenetic contributions to thyroid cancer. Understanding these factors is critical for developing personalized approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Identifiers

PMID41491191
PMCPMC12771700

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