Synchronous presentation of Hodgkin lymphoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma in a young patient: a case review

The synchronous occurrence of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in a young adult without prior radiation exposure is exceedingly rare. The diagnostic challenge arises in differentiating between lymph node metastases from PTC and HL involvement. The absence of clear protocols for managing such cases further complicates treatment. We report a 28-year-old male with a body mass index (BMI) of 44.3 kg/m² who presented with progressive neck swelling over 2 years. Initial investigations, including fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and imaging, revealed concurrent diagnoses of PTC and HL. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy with central compartment lymph node dissection, followed by radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation. Despite initial disease control, he later developed recurrent HL, confirmed via histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. The coexistence of HL and PTC in a single patient raises questions regarding shared risk factors, though no established causal link exists. The rarity of this presentation highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Coordinating therapies such as RAI for PTC and chemotherapy for HL is critical to optimizing patient outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and tailored management of synchronous malignancies. The lack of established guidelines necessitates documentation of such cases to inform future clinical practice. Further research into potential risk factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental influences, is warranted.