Papillary thyroid carcinoma metastatic to the parapharyngeal space
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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
M Ducci1, F Bozza, R W Pezzuto
1Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Nodal metastases from head and neck primary cancer presenting as a parapharyngeal space mass are rare. This paper reports two cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma metastatic to the parapharyngeal space. This finding can be related to Rouviere's description of a direct lymphatic pathway from the posterior surface of the superior thyroid lobe to the lateral retropharyngeal nodes. Metastatic thyroid cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a parapharyngeal space mass.
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