A Case of Warthin-Like Variant of Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Warthin-like variant of papillary thyroid cancer (WLPTC) is a rare subtype of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are comparable to those of the classic type of PTC. However, certain aggressive PTC variants may mimic WLPTC, making accurate diagnosis essential since management and follow-up can differ. Here, we report a case of a 64-year-old man who was diagnosed with WLPTC. He initially presented to the hospital with worsening blurry vision of the right eye over a few days. During evaluation, an incidental right neck mass was detected, and fine-needle aspiration was performed. The pathology revealed thyroid carcinoma. The patient subsequently underwent total thyroidectomy with modified neck dissection, and histological analysis identified WLPTC. Postoperatively, he received radioactive iodine therapy and thyroid hormone therapy. His follow-up visits showed a favorable outcome two years later. This case highlights the importance of identifying WLPTC, as accurate diagnosis is crucial for ensuring appropriate clinical management and follow-up for patients.