Polytef granuloma clinically simulating carcinoma of the thyroid

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pathology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Foreign body reactions can present as neck masses.
• Polytef (Teflon) is a synthetic material used in medical implants.
• Differential diagnosis of neck masses includes malignancy and inflammatory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of a foreign body granuloma mimicking thyroid carcinoma.
• To illustrate the potential migratory pathway of intracordal polytef.
• To highlight the importance of considering foreign body reactions in neck mass diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Case report with clinical presentation and autopsy findings.
• Histopathological examination of the neck mass and fistulous tract.

Main Results:

• A foreign body granuloma to polytef (Teflon) presented as a left-sided neck mass.
• The granuloma clinically simulated thyroid carcinoma.
• Autopsy confirmed intracordal polytef extending through the cricothyroid membrane via a fistulous tract, forming a suprathyroid nodule.

Conclusions:

• Foreign body granuloma from polytef can mimic thyroid cancer.
• Intracordal polytef can migrate and form a suprathyroid nodule.
• Thorough investigation is crucial for diagnosing neck masses with unusual etiologies.