Hyperfunctioning papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case report with literature review

Thyroid malignant tumors are rarely associated with hyperfunctioning thyroid. The incidence of this co-incidence is highly variable. Here we report a rare case of papillary thyroid cancer associated with hyperthyroidism with brief literature review.

A 40-year-old male, presented with palpitation, excess sweating and weight loss for one month duration. There was asymmetrical swelling of the neck, more on right side, mobile. Free T3: 11.09pmol/L, free T4: 34.41pmol/L, TFT: less than 0.005mIU/ml, Neck ultrasound showed features of background thyroiditis. Left lobe contained 9×7×5mm nodule with irregular outline and multiple dots of calcification, other nodules are of the same features. Under ultrasound guide, fine needle aspiration cytology showed features of papillary carcinoma. After preparation, total thyrodectomy done and the result of histopathological examination confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma. The patient was put on 0.2mg thyroxine daily.

Literature review has showed an increasing number of papers reporting the association of high level of thyroid function tests and thyroid malignancy. The cause of high level of TH in thyroid malignancy is thought to be due to an active mutation of the gene of TH receptor. Niepomniszcze and colleagues found that a combination of TSH receptor mutations and Ki-RAS was the main etiological factor for hyperfunction of the thyroid malignancy.

Although the coexistence of them is rare, thyroid malignancy should be put in the differential diagnosis of hyperthyroid goiter.