Papillary thyroid carcinoma with nodular fasciitis-like stroma: An intriguing encounter

ABSTRACT Papillary thyroid carcinoma with nodular fasciitis-like stroma (PTC-NFS) is a rare variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. It must be distinguished from aggressive thyroid malignancies with fibrosis. A 36-year-old female presented with a midline neck swelling. Diagnosis of PTC-NFS was made based on findings from fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry findings. This case highlights that thyroid lesions with fibroproliferative features may range from benign to malignant. A thorough evaluation for malignancy is crucial due to its prognostic and treatment implications. FNAC plays a significant role in diagnosing PTC-NFS. Case reports have linked β-catenin gene mutation positivity with recurrent lesions. In this patient, β-catenin expression was observed, but no recurrence was noted at 6 months postsurgery. Close follow-up is ongoing to monitor for potential recurrence.