Related Experiment Video For benign thyroidectomy
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023
Cervical thyroid remnant consistent with papillary carcinoma as an incidental finding in a patient with benign total
Adriana Ruano Campos1, Daniel Rivera Alonso1, Santiago Ochagavía Cámara1
1MD, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Surgery Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Background:
Differential diagnosis of a cervical lesion corresponding with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) after benign total thyroidectomy can be a real challenge.
Methods:
A cervical thyroid remnant compatible with papillary carcinoma was incidentally found ten years after total thyroidectomy for a non-functional multinodular goitre. Histological analysis of fine needle puncture aspiration (FNPA) was highly suggestive for PTC. Surgical excision of the cervical lesion was performed. Specimen study demonstrated a classic variant of PTC contacting a peripheral margin, applying ablative treatment with radioactive iodine postoperatively.
Results:
The patient did not present signs of recurrence during follow-up. Small thyroid remnants after benign thyroidectomy are often left behind, although their risk of malignancy is exceptional.
Conclusions:
It is important to individualize therapeutic approach when facing this rare entity. We decided to treat the patient by removing the lesion followed by ablation therapy with successful results. PTC: Papillary thyroid carcinoma FNPA: Fine needle puncture aspiration.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...