Thyroid Papillary Microcarcinoma Revealed by Cystic Lymph Node Metastasis

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid papillary microcarcinomas revealed by cystic cervical lymph node metastasis are exceptionally observed. Cervical cystic masses are most often associated with bronchial cleft cysts.Case Report: In this paper, we presented a 63 years old patient presenting an isolated lateral cervical cystic mass for which he was operated. Pathological examination of the surgical specimen found a lymph node metastasis of papillary carcinoma. The thyroidectomy performed afterwards found a papillary microcarcinoma that had gone unnoticed in the initial radiological examinations. Discussion and Conclusion:Latero-cervical cysts are usually benign, especially in young subjects. But the possibility of a metastatic lesion, in particular of a thyroid carcinoma, must be raised before such situations,hence the value of a good diagnostic strategy.