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Parapharyngeal metastasis from papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Khaled Harrathi1, Malika El Omri1, Rim Fradi1
1Ear, Nose and Throat Department and Cervical Surgery Fattouma Bourguiba Hospital, Medicine University, Monastir, Tunisia.
The Pan African Medical Journal
|October 16, 2020
Summary
Occult papillary thyroid carcinoma, a common endocrine malignancy, rarely spreads to the parapharyngeal space. This case highlights unusual lymphatic metastasis in a 50-year-old male patient.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Thyroid carcinoma is a frequent endocrine malignancy.
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common subtype.
- Lymphatic metastasis is the usual pattern of spread.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old male presented with an occult papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- The initial presentation was a right lateral neck node.
- Nodal involvement of the right parapharyngeal space was identified.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates an unusual lymphatic spread of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- Metastasis to the parapharyngeal space from an occult thyroid primary is rare.
- The patient's presentation mimicked other head and neck pathologies.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering occult thyroid malignancy in neck masses.
- Suggests the parapharyngeal space as a potential site for rare lymphatic metastasis.
- Emphasizes the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in suspected head and neck cancers.
