Rapid progression and extensive lymph node metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma in an HIV-positive patient: a Case Report

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-induced immunosuppression represents a potential risk factor for tumorigenesis and cancer progression, though existing studies have not conclusively established the association between HIV infection and the proliferation/metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We present a rare case of a 26-year-old male patient who exhibited rapid cervical tumor enlargement with extensive high-burden lymphatic metastasis following HIV infection. Imaging examinations revealed a cystic-solid thyroid mass with multiple lymphadenopathies in bilateral cervical regions, mediastinum, and axillae. The patient initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) upon HIV diagnosis and subsequently underwent surgical intervention followed by adjuvant iodine-131 therapy and Thyroid hormone suppression therapy. No recurrence was observed during the 15-month follow-up period. This report highlights a potential association between HIV infection and aggressive progression/metastatic potential in thyroid carcinoma, while highlighting the critical importance of personalized treatment strategies for optimizing clinical outcomes in HIV patients with concurrent PTC.