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VOLUME 19 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2024 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

The Diagnostic Dilemma of Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma vs Tubercular Cervical Lymphadenitis

Neelam Ranwa, Gopal Puri, Reva S Sahu, Brijesh K Singh, Sonali Dixit, Seenu Vuthaluru

Keywords : Case report, Diagnostic dilemma, Metastasis, Papillary thyroid carcinoma, Tubercular lymphadenitis

Citation Information : Ranwa N, Puri G, Sahu RS, Singh BK, Dixit S, Vuthaluru S. The Diagnostic Dilemma of Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma vs Tubercular Cervical Lymphadenitis. 2024; 19 (2):75-78.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10088-11239

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 20-12-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).


Abstract

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) often leads to cervical lymph node metastasis, occurring in 50–70% of cases. This high prevalence can sometimes cause clinicians to overlook other potential causes of cervical lymphadenopathy, especially in regions where tuberculosis (TB) is common. Distinguishing between these conditions can be challenging as they appear similar on ultrasound and cytology. However, examination of paraffin-embedded sections is the most effective way to differentiate between the two. We present a case series of three interesting patients where differentiation between the two conditions posed a diagnostic challenge. In two patients, the diagnosis was made after surgery, while in one patient, the diagnosis was made before surgery, preventing the patient from undergoing an unnecessary procedure.

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