Papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cyst

Unusual coexistence: branchial cleft cyst harboring papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis - a rare case report and clinical insights

Background

The simultaneous occurrence of Branchial Cleft Cyst (BCC) and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) represents an unusual malignant tumor, with cases featuring associated lymph node metastasis being particularly rare. This combination underscores an increased potential for metastasis, and the assessment of neck masses, particularly on the lateral aspect, may inadvertently overlook the scrutiny of the thyroid. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise vigilance, especially in patients over the age of 40, regarding the potential for neck masses to signify metastasis from thyroid malignancies. Currently, surgical intervention stands as the primary effective curative method, while the postoperative administration of radioactive iodine therapy remains a topic of ongoing debate.

Case report

In the presented case, a 48-year-old male patient with a right neck mass underwent surgical intervention. The procedure included the excision of the right neck mass, unilateral thyroidectomy with isthmus resection, and functional neck lymph node dissection under tracheal intubation and general anesthesia. Postoperative pathology findings revealed the coexistence of a BCC with metastatic PTC in the right neck mass, as well as papillary carcinoma in the right thyroid lobe. Lymph node metastasis was observed in the central and levels III of the right neck.

Conclusion

The rare amalgamation of a BCC with PTC and concurrent lymph node metastasis underscores the invasive nature of this malignancy. Healthcare professionals should be well-acquainted with its clinical presentation, pathological characteristics, and diagnostic criteria. A multidisciplinary approach is strongly recommended to enhance patient outcomes.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from ectopic thyroid tissue in a neck branchial cyst

A 35-year-old man presented with a right lateral neck mass for 6 years. Thyroid function test was within normal limits. Computed tomography scan of the neck was suggestive of branchial cyst, tuberculous lymphadenopathy and normal thyroid gland. Fine needle aspiration cytology of cervical lymph node was suggestive of metastatic carcinoma. Branchial cystectomy spearing the thyroid gland was undertaken. Histopathology analysis of the resected specimen confirmed it to be papillary thyroid carcinoma originating from ectopic thyroid tissue in a branchial cyst. The patient was scheduled for total thyroidectomy and neck dissection. Unfortunately, he was lost to follow-up. A brief review of the literature regarding this unusual presentation of thyroid cancer has been provided.

Radiologic Features of Papillary Carcinoma in the Second Branchial Cleft Cyst

Clinically, it may be very difficult to differentiate between benign branchial cleft cyst (BCC) and malignant BCC with papillary carcinoma preoperatively. Radiological features were reviewed retrospectively between benign BCC and malignant BCC with papillary carcinoma using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. All patients had only a mass on the right upper lateral neck without lesion in the thyroid gland. Two patients had a mass in the upper medial part of BCC on CT images and one patient showed a well-circumscribed mass in the upper portion of BCC on MR image. Two patients received BCC removal only and one patient underwent total thyroidectomy including removal of BCC. As results, most cases of papillary carcinoma in the BCC were detected incidentally after surgical resection of BCC. However, we can differentiate between benign BCC and malignant BCC with primary papillary carcinoma by carefully reviewing radiologic images before surgery.

Coincidence of Thyroid Tumor and Thyroglossal Duct Remnants. Review of the Literature and Presentation of Three Cases

Aims and Background

The coincidence of benign or malignant thyroid tumors with thyroglossal duct remnant (TDR) cysts is rare. Although the precise etiology is still unclear, thyroid origin and spread from a primary site have been suggested and this obviously has important implications for the therapeutic approach. Three cases of thyroglossal duct carcinoma are presented and its management is discussed on the basis of the current rationale for treatment of thyroid cancer. The indication for surgery depends on positive findings in the thyroid gland (nodules, FNAB). The aim of this study was to review our experience in the management of papillary thyroid diseases associated with TDR.

Materials and Methods

The records of three patients with thyroid tumors associated with TDR treated at the Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery of the First Medical Faculty UK of Prague between January 1991 and January 2001 were analyzed. We searched for risk factors of thyroid carcinoma: history of ionizing radiation, history of thyroid diseases, age, tumor size, tumor spread and histopathological factors.

Results

We used a triple approach consisting of clinical and ultrasound examination and fine-needle aspiration biopsy for preoperative assessment. Our diagnostic and therapeutic procedures included TDR excision (Sistrunk or Schlange procedure) and total thyroidectomy. Although the therapeutic approach could be a matter of discussion, most patients agreed with our suggestion of relatively radical but non-mutilating treatment. Postoperative radiation or radioiodine ablation is considered in cases of TDR carcinoma or thyroid carcinoma associated with TDR. Oncological follow-up included clinical and ultrasound examination three times during the first year, twice in the second year, and once yearly thereafter. Tumor marker evaluation and/or scintigraphy were performed 6, 12 and/or 24 months following surgery.

Wrong egg in the usual nest: thyroid papillary carcinoma within a branchial cleft cyst

Branchial cleft cysts are the most common lesions to arise laterally in the neck. Ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cleft cyst is rare, and a papillary carcinoma arising from this tissue is extremely rare. We present a case of a lateral neck cyst representing a primary papillary carcinoma that arose in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cleft cyst in a 41-year-old woman. After the mass was surgically excised, thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid scintigraphy, and whole-body F18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography detected no abnormality. The negative findings notwithstanding, surgery on the thyroid gland was planned, but the patient refused it. Therefore, she was followed up with ultrasonography and scintigraphy for 5 years, during which time she exhibited no evidence of recurrence. Total thyroidectomy is still the primary option in such cases, but when it cannot be performed for any reason, vigilant follow-up is essential.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma in a lateral neck cyst: primary of ectopic thyroid tissue versus cystic metastasis

Objective:

To review the diagnosis of primary papillary carcinoma of ectopic thyroid tissue within branchial cleft cysts, and to discuss the diagnostic challenge of differentiating this condition from metastatic disease when an occult microcarcinoma is found in the thyroid gland.

Methods:

These comprise a case report and a literature review. We present the case of a 75-year-old woman with papillary thyroid carcinoma within the wall of a recurrent, 15 cm, lateral neck cyst.

Results:

Histological examination of the patient's thyroid gland found a 0.5 mm papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Conclusion:

Our differential diagnosis was primary papillary carcinoma arising from ectopic thyroid tissue, or metastatic cystic degeneration of a lateral lymph node. We make an argument for the former.

Thyroid papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cleft cyst

Ectopic thyroid tissue comprises a rare clinical entity which can clinically manifest with the whole spectrum of thyroid disorders, including thyroid malignancy. Thyroid carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue is extremely rare, with only a few cases described in the literature so far. We present a very unusual case of a primary papillary thyroid carcinoma arising in a left lateral branchial cyst, describing our diagnostic and therapeutic approach for this uncommon clinical entity. This is the first case where recombinant thyrotropin was used along with radioiodine treatment in primary ectopic thyroid cancer.

Primary papillary carcinoma originated from a branchial cleft cyst

Although branchial cleft cysts are common, papillary carcinomas arising from them are rare. Here we report a 41-year-old woman with papillary carcinoma originating from a right lateral branchial cleft cyst without any evidence of a papillary carcinoma in the thyroid gland. The patient underwent right lateral neck dissection followed by total thyroidectomy. We then confirmed papillary carcinoma arising from the branchial cleft cyst through microscopic and immunohistochemical staining with thyroglobulin (TG), thyroid-associated transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and p63. It is the 10th case worldwide describing papillary carcinoma in a branchial cleft cyst with a review of the literature on the features of the disease and discussion of the role of immunohistochemical staining with TG, TTF -1 and p63. In conclusion, it should be emphasized that the surgeon must be cautioned of the possibility of primary papillary carcinoma in the branchial cleft cyst.

[A diagnostic pitfall: papillary adenocarcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cyst]

A case of thyroid papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cleft cyst is described. Complete dissection of the thyroid gland was necessary to rule out the differential diagnosis of primary thyroid carcinoma. The thyroglossal duct tract is an unusual localization for thyroid carcinomas in ectopic thyroid tissue. Thyroid carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cyst is extremely rare. Complete thyroidectomy may be necessary to eliminate an occult thyroid carcinoma.

A Case of Papillary Carcinoma Arising in Ectopic Thyroid Tissue within a Branchial Cyst with Neck Node Metastasis

We describe the interesting case of a young man who presented with a lateral neck node that was diagnosed as a branchial cyst. Histopathology of the excised node revealed that a papillary carcinoma was located within thyroid tissue, which in turn was located within a branchial cyst. A total thyroidectomy with local lymph node clearance was performed. Histology identified a normal thyroid gland, but a papillary carcinoma in one of the excised lymph nodes was consistent with a metastasis. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of a thyroid carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue that metastasized in the neck.

Thyroid papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a neck branchial cyst

Background

Thyroid gland derives from one median anlage at the base of the tongue, and from the two fourth branchial pouches. A number of anomalies may occur during their migration. These can be in form of ectopic tissues, which are frequently found along the course of thyroglossal duct and rarely in other sites, many of these may develop same diseases as the thyroid gland.

Case presentation

A 36-years-old female presented with a 3 month history of left side neck mass. The mass disappeared following aspiration of brown colored fluid, which on cytological examination showed cells with nuclear irregularities that warranted the resection of the lesion. The histology demonstrated a thyroid papillary carcinoma arising within the branchial cyst. Thereafter, the patient underwent a total thyroidectomy with central lymph nodes dissection. Histology showed a multifocal papillary carcinoma with central lymph nodes metastases. Only four cases of primary thyroid carcinomas in neck branchial cyst have been described so far.

Conclusion

In a lateral cystic neck mass, although rare, occurrence of ectopic thyroid tissue and presence of a papillary thyroid carcinoma should be kept in mind.

Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) and p63 expression in two primary thyroid papillary carcinomas of branchial cleft cysts

Malignant lateral cervical cysts can be related to metastatic tumors or rarely to primary thyroid carcinoma arising in branchial cleft cysts. This study evaluates the expression of thyroid-associated transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and p63 in three branchial cleft cysts and in two primary thyroid papillary carcinoma of branchial cleft cysts. TTF-1 was negative in the nuclei of the lining epithelia of branchial cleft cysts, but positive in the adjacent normal thyroid tissue, while TTF-1 was positive in the nuclei of the lining epithelia and in the nuclei of the papillae and follicles in branchial cleft cysts with ectopic thyroid carcinoma. P63 was positive in the nuclei of the lining epithelia of branchial cleft cysts, but negative in the adjacent normal thyroid tissue. Papillary thyroid carcinoma of branchial cleft cysts displayed p63-positive foci. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that TTF-1 cannot distinguish between primary and metastatic tumors of branchial cleft cysts. The detection of p63 in papillary thyroid carcinomas of branchial cleft cysts could suggest that p63 contributes to the onset of this tumor. It is really important to evaluate if the case has a metastatic derivation or represents papillary thyroid carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue in a branchial cleft cyst.

Thyroid papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cleft cyst

A case of papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cleft cyst is described. A 46-year-old woman presented with a 2.0 x 2.0 cm mass in her left lateral neck. The excised mass showed a cystic lesion with a thyroid papillary carcinoma. Following a lateral cervical cystectomy, subsequent thyroid gland and lymph nodes dissections were performed. Pathological examination showed an adenomatous goiter and no primary carcinoma in the thyroid gland, as well as metastatic papillary carcinoma in the lymph nodes. Two cases of thyroid papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cyst have been reported previously, but no lymph node metastases were recognized. The first case of papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cleft cyst, and accompanied by lymph node metastasis is presented.