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Author Spotlight: Integrating Ultrasound Imaging with Biochemical Markers for Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
Published on: February 9, 2024
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Synchronous multifocal medullary and papillary thyroid microcarcinoma detected by elastography
Eleftherios Koudounarakis1, Alexander Karatzanis1, Alkiviadis Chatzidakis1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes 71110, Crete, Greece.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|January 8, 2014
Summary
This rare case highlights synchronous multifocal medullary and papillary thyroid carcinoma in one patient. Ultrasound elastography aided in diagnosing these thyroid malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Concomitant medullary and papillary thyroid carcinoma within a single nodule is documented.
- Multiple foci of both malignancies in the same thyroid gland are exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of synchronous multifocal medullary and papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- To emphasize the utility of ultrasound elastography in assessing thyroid nodules.
Main Methods:
- A 39-year-old female with elevated calcitonin and suspicious elastography underwent total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection.
- Histopathological examination confirmed one focus of medullary and one focus of papillary carcinoma in each thyroid lobe.
- Post-operative radioactive iodine treatment was administered.
Main Results:
- Histology confirmed multifocal medullary and papillary thyroid carcinoma in both lobes.
- This represents the third reported case of synchronous multifocal disease.
Conclusions:
- This case is the third report of synchronous multifocal medullary and papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- Ultrasound elastography is a valuable noninvasive tool for evaluating thyroid nodules.
- Theories regarding the simultaneous occurrence of these thyroid cancers are discussed.
