Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
05:39
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
1.8K
Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in the Hand
Christine S W Best1, Wenhui Liu2, Tao Huang3
1From the Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|July 3, 2025
Summary
Metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma rarely affects the hand. This case highlights the importance of suspecting cancer metastasis in hand masses, especially with a thyroid cancer history, for prompt diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most prevalent form of thyroid cancer.
- While metastases occur in up to 10% of patients at initial diagnosis, hand involvement is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A patient presented with painful thenar and hypothenar masses in the right hand.
- Surgical excision confirmed these masses as metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Findings:
- The soft tissue masses did not invade surrounding musculature or neurovascular structures during surgery.
- Postoperative recovery showed improved hand pain and no neurovascular deficits.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of considering malignant metastasis in hand masses, particularly in patients with a known history of thyroid carcinoma.
- A multidisciplinary endocrine oncology tumor board recommended close monitoring via physical examination, avoiding further radiation.
- Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for patients with rare metastatic presentations.
