Malar bone metastasis revealing a papillary thyroid carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most prevalent differentiated thyroid malignancy.
• Metastases from PTC typically involve the lungs and bones, with rare occurrences in the oral and maxillofacial regions.
• Malar metastasis from PTC is exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented case of malar metastasis from a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC).
• To highlight the unusual presentation of FVPTC with facial bone involvement.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 67-year-old female patient.
• Clinical presentation of left cheek pain and swelling.
• Histopathological confirmation of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
• Review of medical history including unspecified left lobo-isthmectomy.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with malar metastasis, a highly unusual site for thyroid cancer spread.
• The metastasis was confirmed to be from a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
• This represents the first reported instance of malar metastasis specifically from FVPTC.

Conclusions:

• Malignant tumors, including rare presentations of thyroid carcinoma, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained facial swelling and pain.
• This case underscores the importance of considering unusual metastatic patterns in oncology.
• Further research into rare metastatic sites of thyroid cancer is warranted.