Abstract
Introduction: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (Ptc) is the most common thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting as a lateral neck mass in the presence of a normal thyroid is extremely rare. Ectopic thyroid tissue can arise in the lateral aspect of the neck, and, therefore, Ptc may arise at this site in ectopic tissue. Alternatively, cervical cystic lymph node metastasis may be a first presentation of occult Ptc. case report: A case of a 28-year-old male was referred for investigation of a painless leftsided neck swelling. Excisional biopsy revealed Ptc, and completion surgery revealed papillary microcarcinoma and a further lymph node metastasis in the definitive resection specimen. conclusion: this case highlights that Ptc always needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of lateral neck swellings even in presence of a normal thyroid. Establishing the exact etiology of lateral cystic Ptc can be challenging.
Highlights
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid cancer
We report a case of PTC presenting as a left-sided neck swelling
Histopathological analysis of the resection specimen showed a focus of papillary microcarcinoma in the left lobe of thyroid measuring 0.7 cm (Figure 2B–C) and further single lymph node metastasis in a left neck node (Figure 2D)
Summary
Papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting as a lateral neck mass in the presence of a normal thyroid is extremely rare. Cervical cystic lymph node metastasis may be a first presentation of occult PTC. Conclusion: This case highlights that PTC always needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of lateral neck swellings even in presence of a normal thyroid. International Journal of Case Reports and Images (IJCRI) is an international, peer reviewed, monthly, open access, online journal, publishing high-quality, articles in all areas of basic medical sciences and clinical specialties. Aim of IJCRI is to encourage the publication of new information by providing a platform for reporting of unique, unusual and rare cases which enhance understanding of disease process, its diagnosis, management and clinico-pathologic correlations. IJCRI publishes Review Articles, Case Series, Case Reports, Case in Images, Clinical Images and Letters to Editor. Website: www.ijcasereportsandimages.com (This page in not part of the published article.)
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