Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract generally behaves as a benign, localized condition treatable by surgical resection. Regular follow-up with laryngoscopy is indicated for early diagnosis of recurrence, and multiple surgical procedures may be required to control symptoms.

Genetic analysis of human papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) has revealed unique chromosomal translocations that form oncogenic fusion proteins and promote thyroid tumorigenesis in up to 60% of tumors examined. Although, the majority of thyroid speci®c translocations involve the growth factor receptor c-RET, variant rearrangements of the receptor for nerve growth factor, NTRK1 have also been described. One such translocation, TRK-T1, forms a fusion protein composed of the carboxyl terminal tyrosine kinase domain of NTRK1 and the amino terminal portion of TPR (Translocated Promoter Region). To determine if TRK-T1 expression can cause thyroid cancer in vivo, we developed transgenic mice that express the human TRK-T1 fusion protein in the thyroid. Immunohistochemical analysis of TRK-T1 transgenic mouse thyroids revealed TRK-T1 staining within the thyroid follicular epithelium. In contrast to nontransgenic littermates, 54% of transgenic mice developed thyroid abnormalities that included follicular hyperplasia and papillary carcinoma. Furthermore, all transgenic mice examined greater than 7 months of age developed thyroid hyperplasia and/or carcinoma. These data support the conclusion that TRK-T1 is oncogenic in vivo and contributes to the neoplastic transformation of the thyroid. Oncogene (2000) 19, 5729 ± 5735.

We have shown that cyclooxygenase-2 is expressed in thyroid carcinoma and thyroid epithelium from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis but not in normal thyroid. The expression of COX-2 in both of these thyroid pathologies may provide a basis for the relationship between carcinogenesis and autoimmunity.

In T1 and T2 cases of HNSCC, nodal yield >20, increased age, male sex, and primary site correspond with an increased likelihood of finding cervical metastases.