A single thyroid nodule revealing early metastases from clear cell renal carcinoma: case report and review of literature

IntroductionWe report the case of an incidental solitary renal cancer cell (RCC) thyroid metastatic nodule treated by thyroidectomy.Presentation of caseA 53 year male presented with a solitary, asymptomatic thyroid nodule. He was treated with left nephrectomy 1 year before for a RCC. Radiological standard follow-up was negative for secondary lesions but ultrasound (US) 12 months after surgery revealed a 1.5 cm solid nodule in the right lobe of the gland. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was inadequate and the patient was submitted to total thyroidectomy. Histology showed the presence of solitary metastasis from RCC. At 2 years follow-up, no evidence of recurrence has been found.DiscussionSolitary RCC metastasis to the thyroid usually occurs late from nephrectomy and have no specific US pattern. When FNAB provides an uncertain cytological results, the patient received thyroidectomy for primary thyroid tumors and diagnosis of metastases from RCC was incidentally made.ConclusionThyroid nodules in a patient with history of malignancy can pose a diagnostic challenge. The presence of a solitary thyroid nodule in a patient with history of RCC should be carefully suspected for metastasis. We suggest to extend at neck the thorax and abdomen CT scan routinely recommended during the follow-up in high-risk cases. Thyroidectomy may result in prolonged survival in selected cases of isolated thyroid metastasis from RCC.     

Thyroid gland metastasis arising from primary liver cholangiocarcinoma: The first case report involving surgical operation

IntroductionA primary cancer causing thyroid metastasis is extremely rare. In western countries, the most common primary tumors causing thyroid metastases include kidney, lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers. In contrast, breast is the most common primary site, followed by kidney, colon, and lung cancers in Korea. To the best of our knowledge, surgically confirmed thyroid metastasis from cholangiocarcinoma has not been reported. Herein, we report the first case of thyroid metastasis secondary to cholangiocarcinoma on which surgery was performed.Presentation of caseA 55-year-old man was diagnosed with hepatic malignancy in December 2008. He subsequently received 2 cycles of transarterial chemoembolization and 4 cycles of radio-frequency ablation between 2008 and 2010. At follow-up in January 2011, brain metastasis was identified in the right parietal area secondary to cholangiocarcinoma. In April 2011, the patient was found to have palpable masses on the left thyroid and lateral neck. The patient subsequently underwent total thyroidectomy followed by left radical neck dissection. Intraoperatively, an ill-defined mass measuring 6.0 cm was found infiltrating the subcutaneous tissue into the prevertebral fascia. Microscopic and immunohistochemical findings confirmed that the thyroid masses and lymph nodes were metastatic cholangiocarcinoma.DiscussionPositive immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 19, and AFP and negative results for TG, TTF-1, and cytokeratin 20 can be definitely helpful in arriving at a correct diagnosis.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on surgically resected thyroid and lateral neck metastases secondary to cholangiocarcinoma.     

Metachronous mediastinal lymph node metastasis from ascending colon cancer: A case report and literature review

IntroductionMetachronous mediastinal lymph node metastasis without pulmonary metastasis is extremely rare in colorectal cancer, which makes the clinical diagnosis difficult and treatment strategy unclear.Prsentation of caseA case was a 59-year-old man, who had undergone right hemicolectomy for ascending colon cancer 2 years and 8 months previously, presented with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography revealed FDG was accumulated only into the mediastinal lymph nodes. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level was within the normal range. Six months later, the size and FDG uptake of the mediastinal lymph nodes had increased. We assumed a possibility that the mediastinal lymph nodes were metastasized from ascending colon cancer and so performed thoracoscopic-assisted resection of the mediastinal lymph nodes. Histopathological analysis revealed the resected lymph nodes were filled with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and a diagnosis of mediastinal lymph nodes metastasis from previously-resected ascending colon cancer was made. The patient was postoperatively followed for more than 1 year and 8 months without any sign of recurrence.DiscussionOnly 7 cases of metachronous mediastinal lymph node metastasis from colorectal cancer, including our case, have been reported in the English literature. It is difficult to clinically diagnose mediastinal lymph node metastasis.ConclusionWe report a rare case of metachronous mediastinal lymph node metastasis from ascending colon cancer with literature review. If the mediastinal lymph nodes are enlarged after colorectal cancer resection, we need to make a treatment strategy as well as a diagnostic approach considering the possibility of mediastinal lymph node metastasis.     

甲状腺微小癌诊断与外科治疗规范化

甲状腺微小癌定义为结节直径≤1cm的甲状腺癌。颈部超声的普遍应用增加了微小癌的检出率。常规的术前诊断方法包括临床体格检查,甲状腺超声检查和细针穿刺病理活检,恶性超声特征为细小钙化,边缘不规则。规范化的诊断内容应该包括哪一侧甲状腺叶,癌灶个数,最大直径,是否浸润包膜外,是否淋巴结转移,是否远处转移。甲状腺微小癌的外科治疗存在争议,规范化的外科治疗包括针对偶然发现的微小癌和非偶然发现的微小癌两方面,甲状腺近全切除或全切除是甲状腺癌的常规术式,但对于甲状腺微小癌甲状腺腺叶切除或次全切除是否需进一步手术或者是否需行颈部淋巴结清扫则由个体临床和病理特点决定。     

Colon cancer metastasis to the thyroid gland: A case report

IntroductionThyroid metastases from colorectal cancer are uncommon and few cases are described in literature.Case presentationA 64-year-old female patient presented with an asymptomatic right cervical nodule with a rapid growth six years after sigmoidectomy for cancer and two years after resection of colorectal lung metastases. Increased CA 19.9 was identified and a thoracoabdominal CT scan revealed the onset of new metastatic bilateral pulmonary lesions. Neck ultrasonography showed a suspicious nodule in the right thyroid lobe, and Fine-needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the nodule lead to the diagnosis of colorectal cancer metastasis. A right thyroid lobectomy with right central lymph node dissection was performed. The patient underwent chemotherapy with response, but this was posteriorly suspended due to haematological side effects, and the disease spread.DiscussionThyroid metastases from colorectal cancer are rare, but, with the improvement of radiologic exams and the higher survival rate of these patients, more cases are being described. The majority of the cases present pulmonary and hepatic metastases and the prognosis is poor. The decision to operate and the type of operation depend on the extent of the metastatic disease and the patient’s overall condition.ConclusionA low threshold of suspicion is crucial to make a timely diagnosis of thyroid metastases from colorectal cancer. Treatment is controversial, but, without surgery, the need may arise for tracheostomy.     

Metachronous common iliac lymph node metastasis after rectosigmoid colon cancer resection: A case report

Introduction and importanceMetastases to common iliac lymph nodes from cancer of the rectosigmoid are extremely rare. We report a patient with a right common iliac lymph node metastasis after rectosigmoid cancer resection.Case presentationThe patient is a 57-year-old woman diagnosed with rectosigmoid cancer (Stage IIIc) who underwent laparoscopic resection followed by 8 courses of adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine. Sixteen months after resection, an intra-abdominal mass and a left lung nodule were found on computed tomography scans, which were suspected to be recurrences. Exploratory laparoscopy showed that the abdominal lesion was an enlarged common iliac lymph node, which was completely excised. No other intraabdominal recurrences were found. Subsequently, a left upper lobe lung metastasis was resected thoracoscopically. However, multiple lung metastases developed four months after the lung resection, and systemic therapy was begun.Clinical discussionA lower incidence of lateral lymph node metastases from cancer in the rectosigmoid has been reported. Direct lymphatic pathways from the sigmoid colon or rectosigmoid to lateral lymph nodes have been suspected, which may be associated with the poor prognosis in this patient.ConclusionA metachronous metastasis to a common iliac lymph node from primary rectosigmoid cancer is reported. Common iliac lymph node metastases from rectosigmoid cancer might have more malignant potential, and should be treated in the same manner as peri-aortic lymph node metastases.     

Long-term survival after surgical resection of metachronous lung,brain and thyroid gland metastases from rectal cancer: A case report

Introduction and importanceBrain and thyroid metastasis from rectal cancer are uncommon, and the prognosis is poor. We report a patient with rectal cancer who developed metachronous lung, brain and thyroid metastases. Each metastatic lesion was curatively resected resulting in prolonged survival.Case presentationA 60-year-old male underwent rectal cancer resection, and the pathological diagnosis was tubular adenocarcinoma, pT2,pN1a,M0, pStageⅢa. Ten years after rectal resection, a solitary tumor in the left lung was detected. The tumor was resected thoracoscopically and the pathological diagnosis was metastatic tumor. Three years after the pulmonary resection, a solitary brain tumor was detected. The tumor was removed surgically, and the pathology was metastatic tumor. Two years after brain resection, a thyroid mass was detected. A partial thyroidectomy was performed and the pathology with immunohistochemical staining confirmed the thyroid lesion as a metastasis from the previous rectal cancer. Four years after thyroid resection (19 years after the initial rectal resection), he died from multiple lung and bone metastases.Clinical discussionColorectal metastases to the brain and thyroid gland are uncommon and are usually found with other distant metastases. Overall survival has been reported to be extremely poor. In this patient, lung, brain, and thyroid metastases were solitary and metachronous, and each lesion was curatively resected. Surgical treatment might contribute to prolonged survival.ConclusionThe treatment strategy of each patient should be individualized and depends on the timing of metastasis development. Selected patients with complete resection of metachronous metastases may have prolonged survival.     

Resection of solitary abdominal wall metastasis of ascending colon cancer along the ventriculoperitoneal shunt: A case report

IntroductionVentriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is often placed as a treatment for hydrocephalus. Additionally, it is also not uncommon to perform laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer with a VP shunt in place. It is very rare for colorectal cancer to metastasize to an implanted VP shunt. We report a case of VP shunt-related metastasis of the ascending colon that was successfully resected.Presentation of caseA 79-year-old man who had a VP shunt for hydrocephalus two years earlier underwent laparoscopic right colectomy for ascending colon cancer. Six months after the colectomy, imaging examinations showed mass formation in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall along the VP shunt. Because of the possible metastasis of colorectal cancer and the fact that it was a solitary lesion, a tumor resection with replacement of the VP shunt was performed. Histopathological examination revealed that the mass was a metastasis of colon cancer.DiscussionThis case involves the metastasis of colorectal cancer in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall after laparoscopic surgery, and since the tumor had reached the serosa, the possibility of metastasis by pneumoperitoneum was considered. Careful intraoperative manipulation is considered to be important for prevention.ConclusionMetastasis of colorectal cancer to the VP shunt is extremely rare, but possible. In such cases, intraoperative prevention and careful postoperative follow-up are required.     

Two hepatic cavernous hemangiomas mimicking colorectal liver metastasis: A rare case report

Introduction¹ Hepatic cavernous hemangioma (HCH) is a common benign lesion of the liver. The radiological features of HCH can resemble those of hepatic malignancies such as metastatic liver cancer, which make the preoperative definitive diagnosis difficult.Presentation of caseWe report the case of a 77-year-old woman who presented with a 2-month history of abdominal pain and per rectum fresh bleeding. The initial diagnosis at the referral hospital, based on computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, was sigmoid colon cancer with liver metastasis. Further evaluation at our hospital, the patient underwent colonoscopy and biopsy. Histopathological examination of the biopsy revealed an invasive moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy and left hepatectomy. The histopathological examination of the sigmoid colon mass revealed an invasive moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. One out of twenty lymph nodes is positive for metastatic carcinoma. The pathological stage is pT3, pN1a, pM0. The histopathological examination of the left hepatic lobe revealed two hyalinized cavernous hemangiomas with no malignancy is seen. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home with regular follow-up in our outpatient clinic.DiscussionHCH is congenital vascular malformation and is the most common benign hepatic tumors. Fine-needle biopsy during diagnostic laparoscopy for undiagnosed multiple liver tumor can differentiate atypical HCH from colorectal metastasis but can potentially lead to rupture or seeding of cancer cells.ConclusionSurgical resection is necessary to determine if the mass is malignant in some atypical HCH mimicking liver metastasis to confirm the diagnosis with histopathologic examination.     

Life threatening presentation of thoracic duct injury post thyroid surgery; a case report

BackgroundInjury to thoracic duct is a rare potential complication of time-honored conventional thyroidectomy. Nevertheless, it can be a cause of significant morbidity, and sometimes life-threatening.Patient findingsA 78-year-old female patient with a previous surgical history of thyroid lobectomy for nodular disease presented with primary hyperparathyroidism, and a nodule in the remaining thyroid lobe. The patient underwent completion thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Less than 24 h post operatively, the patient developed progressive shortness of breath and neck swelling requiring immediate intubation and re-exploration. A large amount of chyle was drained and an injured thoracic duct was identified and ligated.SummaryIn experienced hands thyroid surgery is safe. Nevertheless, factors such as the type of pathology and its extent, the level of surgery, and re-operative surgery increase the risk of postoperative complications. Immediate surgical exploration is necessary when patients present with neck swelling and respiratory distress. In our case, a high output chyle leak in a confined space was life threatening.ConclusionTimely re-exploration following thyroid surgery and thorough knowledge of the anatomy of neck structures is crucial in sparing patients potential morbidity and/or mortality.     

Small Solitary Pulmonary Metastasis Detected Before Primary Sigmoid Colon Cancer: Report of a Case

We report the case of a 60-year-old woman referred to us after chest X-ray and mobile computed tomography screening detected an 8-mm nodule in right S2. Transbronchial aspiration cytology suggested a pulmonary metastasis from colorectal cancer. Therefore, we performed a colonoscopy and found a polypoid lesion, 2cm in diameter, in the sigmoid colon. An analysis of a biopsy specimen from this polypoid lesion confirmed adenocarcinoma. Surgical resection of the primary sigmoid colon cancer was subsequently performed, followed 4 weeks later by a right S2 segmentectomy to remove the lung metastasis. The patient is currently well without any clinical signs of recurrence, 44 months after her operation.     

Total or near total thyroidectomy versus limited resection for radiation-associated thyroid nodules: a twelve-year follow-up of patients in a thyroid screening program

Controversy continues regarding the extent of thyroidectomy appropriate for patients with radiation-associated thyroid nodules. The incidence of cancer in this group of patients is more than 50% when near total or total thyroidectomy is done and all thyroid tissue is serially sectioned and examined. Tumor multicentricity is common. Is total or near total thyroidectomy warranted in all of these patients? A prospective study and follow-up program of 2118 patients with prior low-dose head and neck irradiation who entered into a thyroid screening program allowed us to examine how the extent of thyroidectomy influenced the clinical course of these patients. Near total or total thyroidectomy was performed in 59 patients (36 had cancer), and limited thyroid resection, that is, lobectomy or less, was done in 78 patients (four of whom had cancer). During follow-up, only three patients have developed recurrent cancer; two had near total thyroidectomy and one had total thyroidectomy at first operation. Two patients with limited thyroid resection have had reoperation for new thyroid nodules, both of whom had benign nodules. We conclude that although limited thyroid resection may leave occult malignancies in unresected thyroid tissue, there is no significant difference in outcome between patients with limited resection and those with near total or total thyroidectomy after a 12-year follow-up of the program. Significant differences in cancer recurrence rats may occur with longer follow-up.     

Intraoperative ultrasonography for localization of recurrent thyroid cancer

Advances in measurement of thyroglobulin (Tg) and in imaging techniques including high resolution ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scan have increased our ability to detect thyroid cancer recurrences at an earlier stage. (1,2) After thyroidectomy, patients are often treated with radioiodine, but the recurrent cancers may not image with radioiodine. In these instances, the only definitive treatment is surgical resection. Reoperative neck surgery can be challenging, especially when trying to find a small cancer nodule within the central neck that contains dense fibrotic scar tissue. Herein we describe the use of intraoperative ultrasonography to identify the location of recurrent thyroid cancer. This technique can aid in tumor localization and may help to avoid complications such as recurrent nerve injury.     

Papillary carcinoma arising from thyroglossal duct cyst with thyroid and lateral neck metastasis

INTRODUCTIONThyroglossal duct carcinomas (TGDC) are rare, with approximately 274 reported cases since the first report in 1915. The prevalence of carcinomas in surgically removed thyroglossal duct cyst (TGD) is less than 1%. The usual recommended treatment for this condition is the Sistrunk operation, but controversies remain regarding the need for total or partial thyroidectomy.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 28-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with the symptoms of painless midline neck swelling and growing mass. A preoperative computed tomography (CT) showed a 4 cm sized heterogeneous mass at the infrahyoid anterior neck. Ultrasonography of the neck additionally showed suspicious metastatic lymph node at right level VI, both level VI. The patient underwent a Sistrunk operation. The frozen section revealed papillary carcinoma arising from TGDC and also revealed metastatic papillary carcinoma in the right thyroid, at right level III and level VI. Total thyroidectomy, right modified radical neck dissection and central neck dissection were performed. The thyroid gland and TGD were confirmed papillary carcinoma. The dissected neck lymph nodes revealed metastatic papillary carcinoma.DISCUSSIONThe usual recommended treatment for TGD is the Sistrunk procedure. There is controversy regarding whether total or partial thyroidectomy should be performed.CONCLUSIONPhysicians should be aware of extended operation, including thyroidectomy and/or neck node dissection for TGDC with metastatic lesion of thyroid and neck node.     

Surgical Experience in Children With Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Background: The optimal surgical treatment in children with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma remains an important point of discussion. In this study, we evaluated our surgical experience and reviewed the literature accordingly to identify the most adequate treatment.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 21 children, all under the age of 18 years at the time of diagnosis, with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (17 papillary, 3 follicular, and 1 Hürthle cell carcinoma). Total thyroidectomy was performed, followed by radioiodine therapy, as a part of the initial treatment in all patients. The results were compared with data from the literature.Results: Eleven children (52%) who presented with cervical lymph node metastases were treated by a modified radical neck dissection. Pulmonary metastases were seen at diagnosis in three patients. Six patients developed temporary complications. During follow-up, with a median of 11 years (range, 2–26 years), two patients (10%) developed recurrences, and no patient died during this observation period. A literature search confirmed our experience of excellent results without an increase of complications in the more aggressively treated patients.Conclusions: In children with differentiated thyroid cancer, treatment should consist of total thyroidectomy, followed by a modified radical neck dissection (when indicated) and iodine-131 ablation treatment. This aggressive approach seems to be justified because of the high incidence of nodal involvement and the low complication and recurrence rate after surgery.     

Papillary carcinoma of hyoid

IntroductionThyroglosal duct cyst is a common anomaly with an incidence of 7% in adults, the rate of carcinoma in TGDC is 0.7–1.6%, and are extremely rare those originated in the hyoid bone.Presentation of caseA 60 years old male patient, had a hard mass in the anterior neck. CT revealed a hyoid tumor. Hyoid bone resection was performed, the pathological report show a conventional papillary carcinoma in bone tissue. We rule out primary tumor in thyroid gland. Five years later, he developed a neck node recurrence. Total thyroidectomy and a selective left neck dissection (II–IV levels) was performed. He received radioiodine adjuvant treatment.DiscussionHyoid cancer originates of a persistent thyroglosal duct remnants inside hyoid bone.ConclusionWe propose to add a new subdivision to pathology derived from thyroglosal duct remnants). The diagnostic approach with ultrasound and CT are necessary. A primary in te hyoid gland mustang be discorded, and then the entire hyoid bone must be removed. Treatment of the thyroid gland and neck should be considered when there are significant risk factors of recurrence, similarly to thyroid cancer based on the risk assessment.     

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Long-term Outcome in Patients with Distant Metastases from Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Background Distant metastases are seen in a minority of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) but account for most of its disease-specific mortality. Studies on the long-term outcome of patients with distant metastases are controversial. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 660 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma followed at our institution from 1994 to 2004. Forty-four patients (6.7%) had distant metastases, with a prevalence of 4.8% for papillary thyroid cancer, 21% for follicular thyroid cancer, and 10% for Hurthle cell cancer. Primary near-total thyroidectomy followed by I¹³¹ radiation was performed in 97% of patients with metastases (86% operated on in 1980–2003). Mean age at thyroidectomy was 49 ± 19 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 1.9:1. Results The distant metastasis occurred synchronously with the primary tumor in 45.5% and after a median follow-up of 9 years in the others. Affected sites were lungs (n = 24), bones (n = 11), lungs and bones (n = 9), brain (n = 3), and uterus (n = 1). Median duration of follow-up was 12 years (range: 1–42 years) from thyroidectomy and 5.5 years (range: 1–24 years) from diagnosis of distant metastases. The 5- and 10-year survival rates (all causes) after diagnosis of distant metastases were 88% and 77%, respectively. No significant differences in survival curves were found by age, sex, metastasis site, histopathology, or interval to distant metastasis. Conclusions We conclude that complete resection of the thyroid gland at diagnosis and high-dose adjuvant radioactive iodine are associated with improved survival in patients with metastatic DTC.     

Sternal metastasis as first manifestation of a papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case report

IntroductionPapillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) are differentiated forms of thyroid carcinoma. Sternal metastases from differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) are rare and are of particular prognostic interest. Radioiodine therapy has traditionally been the treatment of choice for metastases from differentiated thyroid cancers; however, bone metastases are known to be resistant to this form of treatment. Surgical resection of distant metastases from DTCs offers a better chance of achieving long survival and a better quality of life. We report the case of a 59-year-old women who presented a presternal mass for one year revealing metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma, a total thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection and reconstruction of the sternal defect were performed. Overall, we demonstrate that radical resection of sternal metastases can be performed safely even in patients with poor prognosis to achieve palliation and potentiation of Radioiodine therapy.Case reportThis is a 59-year-old women referred by the endocrinology service for a sternal metastasis of a papillary thyroid carcinoma, who presented a painless, firm and fixed presternal mass for one year, a total thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection was performed with En-bloc resection and reconstruction as a one-stage procedure. Reconstruction of the chest wall was obtained by the rigid reconstruction with titanium bars and coverage with polymesh dual prosthesis, followed by radioiodine therapy and substitution with L-thyroxine. The patient is currently in good health condition, and does not present any complications and was in euthyroidism under substitution for the long term follow up.DiscussionThyroid cancer is the fastest increasing cancer in the United States, It is expected to replace colon cancer as the fourth leading cancer by 2030.2 More than 90% of thyroid carcinoma cases are classified as papillary or follicular carcinoma, both referred to as differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs) and are associated with a 97%–98% 10-year survival rate. However, this rate can decrease to 14%–21% when patients present with bone metastases. Bone metastases have been reported to occur in 2%–13% of patients with DTC (Osorio et al. [1]). Several techniques have been used to repair after wide sternal resection for metastatic malignancies. Furthermore, choice of the reconstruction techniques depends on the size and the site of the defect and the preference of the surgeon (Lequaglie et al. [2]).ConclusionSternal metastases from papillary thyroid carcinomas are rare,few cases of sternal metastasis as first presentation of a well-differentiated PTC are described in the literature. Operative management of these metastases is still controversial, but radical resection offer patients an optimal probability of long-term survival.     

Water clear cell ectopic non-iatrogenic giant parathyroid adenoma in sternohyoid muscle with thyroid nodule and asymptomatic hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism: Case report and literature review

BackgroundEctopic parathyroid gland is not uncommon, and is associated with primary hyperparathyroidism. Giant parathyroid adenoma (PA) and concurrent presence of enlarged thyroid nodule increases the probability of ectopic location. The combination of a giant PA that is ectopic (within the strap muscle) in the neck is very rare, especially in cases with no previous surgery. The rare histopathological findings of the current case, water clear cell parathyroid adenoma (WCCPA), could explain the patient's presentation, since it has low endocrine function.Case presentationA 56-year-old Qatari female on routine visit to primary health care physician for hypertension, was incidentally discovered to be hypercalcemic and was referred to the emergency department of our institution. Neck ultrasound showed a thyroid nodule on the left side, but ^99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy identified a left PA. FNAC of the thyroid nodule showed that it was a colloid nodule. She underwent left hemithyroidectomy and excision of left PA. Intraoperatively, the PA was giant and in the sternohyoid muscle. Intraoperative monitoring of intact PTH (IOiPTH) confirmed successful excision.DiscussionEctopic giant parathyroid adenoma is rare especially with the intramuscular location in sternohyoid muscle in the neck without previous neck surgeries. The presence of thyroid nodule could be a precipitating factor for migration of the PA. Preoperative assessment with the radiological image is crucial for diagnosis but sometimes fail to localized the PA.ConclusionGiant asymptomatic PA with long standing low function before hyperfunctioning should raise the suspicion of WCCPA. If diagnosis is confirmed, metastasis from a clear cell renal cell carcinoma should be ruled out.     

Surgical treatment of locally advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma after response to lenvatinib: A case report

IntroductionDifferentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) have good prognoses after complete resection. Nevertheless, when DTC is associated with an aerodigestive invasion, curative surgery is difficult to perform. However, there is no established neoadjuvant therapy for advanced DTC.Presentation of caseA 73-year-old man with thyroid papillary carcinoma was referred to our hospital. A computed tomography examination revealed a tumor in the upper right lobe of the thyroid, and multiple bilateral enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, involving the surrounding structures. The enlarged lymph node at the right upper neck was suspected to have invaded the right internal jugular vein, and the left paratracheal lymph node was suspected to have invaded the cervical esophagus and trachea. The tumor was considered resectable; however, surgery would have been highly invasive. Therefore, we initiated neoadjuvant therapy with lenvatinib. After administration of lenvatinib, the tumor decreased in size by 84.3% and the cervical lymph nodes by 56.0%. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy, modified neck dissection, a resection of the muscular layer of the esophagus, and a tracheal sleeve resection and reconstruction.DiscussionThe SELECT trial demonstrated that lenvatinib had high response rate with short response time, in patients with radioiodine-refractory DTC. The results suggested that lenvatinib could be effective as neoadjuvant therapy.ConclusionFor an advanced DTC that requires removal through invasive surgery, preoperative lenvatinib treatment might be one of the options for a less invasive surgery.