A mediastinal malignant thyroid paraganglioma: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction and importanceThyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, while primary paraganglioma of the thyroid gland (TP) is an unusual tumour and in rare cases, this disease tends to mimic thyroid cancer. They are rare extra-adrenal neuroendocrine tumours originating from the neural crest, and are found almost exclusively in the head and neck area.Case presentationWe present a case of a 53-year-old man, in whom a mediastinal lesion originating from the left lobe of the thyroid gland was found on routine ultrasound and subsequent computed tomography (CT).Clinical discussionTotal thyroidectomy and lymph dissection were performed. A review of the literature was made and a discussion was held regarding the diagnosis, the importance of surgical treatment and further behaviour.ConclusionSurgical removal of the thyroid gland is the main treatment, followed by radiation therapy. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis with other thyroid tumours is extremely important in terms of subsequent behaviour and prognosis.