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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
06:03
Use of Electromagnetic Navigational Transthoracic Needle Aspiration (E-TTNA) for Sampling of Lung Nodules
Published on: May 23, 2015
Static pulmonary nodules from thyroid malignancy
Najmul Islam1, Munira Mehboob Shahpurwala, Bilal Karim Siddiqui
1Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. najmul.islam@aku.edu
Summary
This case highlights a rare instance of papillary thyroid carcinoma with long-term, asymptomatic lung metastasis. The diagnosis was confirmed using fine needle aspiration and cytology, supported by Iodine-131 scintigraphy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma is typically indolent.
- Pulmonary metastasis from thyroid cancer can remain asymptomatic for extended periods.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old female presented with mild respiratory symptoms after a decade of asymptomatic pulmonary metastasis.
- Fine needle aspiration and cytology (FNA-C) of a lung nodule showed features of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Findings:
- The diagnosis was confirmed on the thyroidectomy specimen.
- Iodine-131 (I131) scintigraphy revealed diffuse uptake within the lung parenchyma.
- Radiographic nodular shadowing suggested a metastatic origin, particularly from the thyroid.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering thyroid carcinoma metastasis in patients with lung nodules.
- I131 scintigraphy is a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing metastatic thyroid carcinoma.
- Long-term follow-up is crucial for patients with a history of thyroid cancer.
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