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Diffuse lipomatosis of the thyroid gland: a pathologic curiosity
Ruchika Gupta1, Raman Arora, Alok Sharma
1Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. ruchika257@yahoo.com
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|April 1, 2009
Summary
A rare case of diffuse lipomatosis of the thyroid gland, characterized by excessive fat infiltration, is presented. This condition can cause neck swelling and respiratory issues, requiring careful histopathological diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
- Thyroid Research
Background:
- Thyroid gland enlargement can present with various etiologies.
- Differentiating benign from malignant thyroid conditions is crucial for patient management.
- Lipomatous infiltration of the thyroid is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male presented with a 4-year history of midline neck swelling and recent respiratory distress.
- Physical examination revealed a diffuse, lobulated thyroid enlargement.
- Surgical resection (subtotal thyroidectomy) was performed due to the significant enlargement.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of the resected thyroid lobes (right: 225g, left: 130g) showed diffuse stromal infiltration by mature adipose tissue.
- No evidence of amyloid deposits or papillary carcinoma was found.
- The final diagnosis was diffuse lipomatosis of the thyroid gland.
Implications:
- Diffuse lipomatosis of the thyroid is an extremely rare diagnosis that must be distinguished from other thyroid pathologies.
- Differential diagnoses include amyloid goiter, adenolipoma, lymphocytic thyroiditis, and intrathyroid lipomas, as well as liposarcoma.
- Accurate clinical correlation and comprehensive histopathological assessment are essential for correct diagnosis and appropriate patient care.
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