Incidental nodal metastasis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in neck dissection specimens from head and neck cancer patients. Issue 4 (28th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lenzi, R; Marchetti, M; Muscatello, L
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 131:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 368
• Page End: 371
• Publication Date: 2017-02-28
• Subjects: Head and Neck Neoplasms, -- Incidental Findings, -- Neck Dissection, -- Thyroid Neoplasms, -- Thyroidectomy; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S002221511700024X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Occult differentiated thyroid carcinomas are not uncommon. The initial presentation of a thyroid carcinoma is often detection of a metastatic cervical lymph node. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of 304 patients who underwent neck dissection between 1996 and 2008 for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Results: Ten patients (3.3 per cent) had nodal metastasis originating from papillary thyroid cancer. All of these patients underwent thyroidectomy and post-operative 131 iodine radiometabolic therapy. No patient developed a thyroid tumour after surgery. Conclusion: Despite its metastatic spread, thyroid cancer does not affect the overall prognosis of patients who are already being treated for a more aggressive malignancy. However, in otherwise healthy patients, it is worth treating this second malignancy to avoid potential complications related to local disease or metastatic thyroid cancer.