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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
05:41
Synchronous Triplanar Reconstruction Integrated with Color Doppler Mapping for Precise and Rapid Localization of Thyroid Lesions
Published on: February 9, 2024
Neck lesions mimicking thyroid pathology
G Donatini1, P Iacconi, C De Bartolomeis
1Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. giacko76@hotmail.com
Langenbeck'S Archives of Surgery
|August 23, 2008
Summary
Neck nodules mimicking thyroid issues are rare but challenging. Accurate pre-operative diagnosis is crucial to avoid surgical errors and patient harm, especially with neurogenic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrine Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Nodular neck lesions can originate from various structures, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate surgical procedures.
- These lesions are frequently encountered in specialized endocrine surgery centers.
- Misdiagnosis can increase surgical morbidity.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with neck nodules initially suspected as thyroid pathology or metastatic thyroid cancer.
- Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound and CT scans, was utilized.
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology was negative for tumor cells in two cases.
Findings:
- Histological examination revealed Schwannoma and Paraganglioma in two patients, both experiencing Bernard Horner Syndrome post-operatively.
- Castleman's Disease was diagnosed in the third patient with a nodule adherent to muscular planes.
- Surgical exploration was performed for all three cases.
Implications:
- Nodular neck lesions mimicking thyroid pathology pose diagnostic and surgical challenges.
- Comprehensive pre-operative work-up is essential for correct diagnosis and optimal surgical planning.
- Careful surgical approaches are necessary for neurogenic tumors to avoid neurological damage.
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