Heterotopic parathyroid inclusion in a cervical lymph node
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Published on: November 28, 2025
Emanuela Veras1, Erich M Sturgis, Mario A Luna
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Texas, USA.
Background:
During the pathologic examination of neck dissection specimens, unexpected findings within the lymph nodes may be discovered. Such findings may include benign epithelial inclusions, a second primary tumor, or chronic inflammatory diseases.
Methods:
We report a case of a 59-year-old man who underwent a laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection for a right transglottic squamous carcinoma of the larynx. During the procedure, a large lymph node measuring 2.5 x 2.2 x 0.8 cm was found at the right level IV.
Results:
Histologic examination of the neck dissection specimen revealed benign parathyroid inclusions in the enlarged lymph node. The heterotopic cells expressed parathyroid hormone. This case represents a unique example of heterotopic parathyroid inclusions in a cervical lymph node.
Conclusion:
Parathyroid tissue should be included in the differential diagnosis of cervical intranodal epithelial inclusions.
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