J Endocr Surg.  2023 Mar;23(1):7-12. 10.16956/jes.2023.23.1.7.

Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma Manifesting as Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis: A Case Report

• Hur SM

• KMID: 2549288
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.16956/jes.2023.23.1.7

Abstract

Axillary lymph node metastasis is rare in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A 45-year-old woman presented with a palpable mass in the right axillary area. An excisional biopsy was performed and the pathological result revealed metastatic carcinoma. No abnormalities were observed in the breast imaging studies, chest computed tomography (CT), gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, and positron emission tomography-CT except for nodes suspected to be residual pathological nodes in the right axilla and thyroid nodule. Thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration showed a PTC that was positive for BRAF mutation, measuring 0.8×0.6×0.9 cm in size, located in the isthmus of the thyroid gland. Immunohistochemical staining of the right axillary lymph node was positive for thyroglobulin. A total thyroidectomy with bilateral central neck and right axillary lymph node dissection was performed. After surgery, the patient received radioactive iodine treatment, and no abnormalities were observed upon imaging.

Keyword

Thyroid carcinoma; papillary; Axilla; Lymphatic metastasis