Ectopic Papillary Thyroid Cancer: About a Case

Cervical lymph nodes can indicate various inflammatory or cancerous conditions. Ectopic thyroid carcinoma, particularly papillary carcinoma, can be found in resected lymph nodes even without clinical thyroid abnormalities, known as hidden (incidental) metastasis. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with a 5 cm thyroid nodule and associated symptoms. Ultrasound and biopsy confirmed a multinodular goiter and an incidental metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in the right cervical lymph node. A total thyroidectomy and lymph node exploration revealed PTC metastasis. Treatment included 100 mCi ablation, resulting in a complete response. This case emphasizes the need for careful evaluation and precise treatment planning for patients with PTC to avoid misdiagnosis.