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Parotid metastases from thyroid carcinomas
Zhi-Hong Wu1, Ming-Hua Ge2,3, Jun Cao3
1Wenzhou Medical University-Affiliated Yiwu Central Hospital Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Parotid metastases (PMs) that originate from thyroid carcinomas (TCs) are extremely rare, and many questions about their diagnosis and management remain unanswered. Of the 15,780 patients with TC that we had prospectively recorded in our institutional databases between 1996 and 2015, we retrospectively retrieved only three patients (0.019%) with PM. Patient characteristics, histological findings on initial thyroidectomy and parotidectomy specimens, treatments, and times of recurrence and death were reviewed. In addition, we searched PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases (1996-2015) for articles published in the English language using the key words "parotid" and "thyroid", and reviewed almost all reports that described PM that were derived from TC. These rare cases of thyroid carcinoma presenting as metastasis in the parotid gland highlight the importance of maintaining close communication between clinicians, radiologists, and histopathologists to ensure that such rare cases are not missed.
Insights
Parotid metastases from thyroid carcinoma are rare, occurring in 0.019% of cases. Early detection and multidisciplinary communication are crucial for managing these rare thyroid cancer presentations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Parotid metastases (PMs) from thyroid carcinoma (TC) are exceptionally rare.
- Diagnostic and management strategies for PMs from TC require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and management of parotid gland metastases originating from thyroid carcinoma.
- To emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary communication in diagnosing rare metastatic cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of three patients with TC and PM from institutional databases (1996-2015).
- Comprehensive literature review of PM from TC using PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science (1996-2015).
Main Results:
- Identified only three cases (0.019%) of PM in a cohort of 15,780 TC patients.
- Reviewed patient characteristics, histological findings, treatments, and outcomes for these rare cases.
- Synthesized findings from a literature search of similar rare occurrences.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid carcinoma presenting as parotid metastasis is a rare clinical entity.
- Close collaboration among clinicians, radiologists, and histopathologists is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Highlights the need for vigilance in identifying rare metastatic patterns of thyroid cancer.
