Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma as a Lateral Neck Cyst: A Cystic Metastatic Node versus an Ectopic Thyroid Tissue

Abstract

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common thyroid malignancy and frequently metastasizes to regional lymph nodes. Occasionally, metastatic lymph nodes are palpable without the evidence of primary tumour. Papillary thyroid carcinoma of lateral neck cyst is a rare condition. It may arise from thyroid primary which underwent cystic degeneration or true malignant transformation of ectopic thyroid tissue. Herein, we reported two cases with preoperative diagnosis of benign lateral neck cyst but postoperative histopathological results showed primary papillary thyroid carcinoma. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the neck in both cases showed no significant thyroid lesion. However, the patient in Case 2 was subjected for total thyroidectomy and histopathological results showed the origin of primary tumour. In conclusion, thorough investigations including total thyroidectomy are indicated in cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma of lateral neck cyst. This practice is to ensure that this type of thyroid cancer can be detected earlier because it has a very good prognosis if treated earlier.

Cystic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report

“…In the case report of Rahamat et al, that described two cases of male patients that have PTC presenting as a lateral neck cyst, the immunohistochemical stains used were TTF-1, thyroglobulin (TGB) and Cytokeratin (CK19). 16 TTF-1, a nuclear protein composed of a single polypeptide of 371 amino acid belongs to the family of homeodomain transcription factors and is the most commonly used immunomarker to identify thyroid or lung primary tumor in the setting of metastasis. 9 Thyroglobulin is a thyroid hormone precursor that is synthesized by the thyrocytes, transported to the apical surface and secreted into the follicles and constitute the major component of colloid.…”

An Unusual Simultaneous Existence of Parathyroid Carcinoma and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

“…An asymptomatic thyroid mass is usually the main clinical finding, and it can be accompanied with or without cervical lymph node enlargement. However, vocal cord paralysis and tracheal compression can be present in about 20% of PTC cases, and it is manifested as hoarseness and dysphagia [12]. Biochemical tests are of limited usefulness because most patients have normal thyroid function [13].…”

Ectopic thoracic thyroid removed by uniportal VATS approach. A case report

“…Afterwards the gland migrates ahead of the pharyngeal gut and assumes a bilobed aspect. During this transition, the thyroid adheres to the tongue by means of a thyroglossal duct, which thereafter disappears [1].…”

“…We speak of “Ectopic thyroid gland” when a piece of thyroid tissue is placed at a certain distance from the second to fourth tracheal cartilages. It is considered to be a rare malformation which occurs in 1 case out of 100,000–300,000 people [1]. Since during the embryogenic development the gland transmigrates from the floor of the primitive foregut to the neck, it is more common to find this kind of lesion in the neck and thorax [2].…”