Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with contralateral large humerus metastasis and cervical lymph node metastasis: A...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Radiology

Background:

• Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is the smallest form of papillary thyroid cancer.
• Bone metastasis from PTMC is exceptionally rare, particularly to the contralateral humerus with a large mass.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old female presented with a 5-year history of a large, painful right humeral mass causing shoulder immobility.
• PET/CT revealed a large right humeral mass, bilateral lung lesions, and enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes.
• Biopsy confirmed the humeral lesion originated from thyroid tissue, with subsequent thyroid ultrasound identifying PTMC and contralateral lymph node metastasis.

Findings:

• The case details PTMC with extensive contralateral bone metastasis (humerus) and cervical lymph node involvement.
• Diagnostic imaging, including PET/CT and thyroid ultrasonography, was crucial in identifying the primary tumor and metastatic sites.
• Histopathology confirmed PTMC with contralateral cervical lymph node metastasis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare metastatic patterns in PTMC.
• Advanced imaging modalities are vital for comprehensive staging and diagnosis of PTMC metastasis.
• Understanding these rare presentations can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management for PTMC.