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Case Reports
. 2015 Mar;67(Suppl 1):145-8.
doi: 10.1007/s12070-014-0746-y. Epub 2014 Jul 18.

Papillary carcinoma of thyroid with an unusual presentation

Brajendra Baser  1 , Vishal R Munjal  1 , Manya Thakur Roy  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Papillary carcinoma of thyroid with an unusual presentation

Brajendra Baser et al. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is well known for its low malignant potential and good prognosis. The outcome can be fatal in patients with low compliance and delayed treatment. Recent advances in ultrasonographic screening and US guided fine needle aspiration biopsy has facilitated early diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinomas. This epithelial thyroid tumour accounts for more than 80 % of all thyroid tumours. An occult primary carcinoma of thyroid presenting as lymphangioma has been reported rarely. We present a case of a 40-year-old female patient with huge cystic midline swelling on the right side of the neck mimicking lymphangioma on USG. MRI neck showed a cystic mass causing displacement of the trachea and arising from Rt lobe of thyroid gland. Hemithyroidectomy was carried out and histopathology revealed papillary carcinoma. In patients with neck swellings presenting as huge cystic mass the differential diagnosis of Intra cystic variant of papillary carcinoma thyroid and metastatic thyroid papillary carcinoma must always be considered prior to planning surgery.

Keywords: Lymphangioma; Occult; Papillary thyroid carcinoma.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Pre Operative Clinical Photograph showing  trilobed swelling extending from midine to posterior triangle on the right side of the neck
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
MRI neck showing lobulated homogenous cystic mass arising from right lobe of Thyroid with deviation of Trachea to the left
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Intraoperative picture showing huge cystic lesion in the right side of the neck
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Intraoperative Picture after Excision of cystic mass and Hemithyroidectomy showing Trachea (T), Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN), left Thyroid Gland (TG)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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