A Case of a Huge Lateral Neck Mass as the Initial Presentation of Thyroid Carcinoma

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 1999;15(1):89-91.
Published online May 30, 1999.

Jin Ho Sohn;Jae Yul Park;Kwang Hoon Kim;Nak Kwan Sung

거대한 단발성 측경부 종물로 나타난 전이성 갑상선암 1례

손진호;박재율;김광훈;성낙관

Abstract

We experienced a case of the papillary thyroid carcinoma seen as a huge solid lateral neck mass. The mass grew very slowly over the period of 30years up to 10cm in diameter while relatively well sparing the surrounding tissues. Physical examinations, CT scan, and fine needle aspiration cytology did not reveal any strong suggestions for evidence of malignancy. But it was pathologically diagnosed as metastatic thyroid carcinoma by excisional biopsy. We emphasize that for a large solitary neck mass which persists for several decades, head and neck surgeons should always keep in mind the possibility of metastasis from the malignancy of thyroid gland.

Key Words: Thyroid cancer, Metastasis