Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma Presenting as a Parapharyngeal Mass

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 1996;12(1):43-46.
Published online June 30, 1996.

Jeong Su Woo;Yong Whoan Kim;Kwang Yoon Jung;Geon Choi;Jong Ouck Choi

부인두강 종물로 발현된 갑상선 유두상암종

우정수;김용환;정광윤;최건;최종욱

Abstract

An unusual case of nodal metastases from thyroid neoplasm known as parapharyngeal space mass is likely to be overlooked. And identification of the primary lesion by excisional biopsy calls for a secondary operation. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the possible lymphatic spread of the thyroid neoplasm to the parapharyngeal space. In this case, completion thyroidectomy should be considered. Here, we present a case of thyroid papillary carcinoma masquerading as a parapharyngeal space tumor. The mass was removed by transcervical approach and pathologically diagnosed as a metastatic thyroid papillary carcinoma. Successful results were obtained after additional completion thyroidectomy.

Key Words: Thyroid papillary carcinoma, Parapharyngeal space, Completion thyroidectomy