Papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting as metastases at unexpected sites: Report of two cases

Abstract

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common form of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). It is generally confined to the neck with or without spread to regional lymph nodes. Distant metastases is rare, if occurs, it usually involves lung and bone. Additional locations have only been sporadically reported and were identified during the course of follow-up, subsequently to a thyroid surgery. Distant metastases as the initial presentation of PTC is a rare event. We, herein, report two cases of PTC presenting initially as metastases at unusual sites and discuss the importance of meticulous histopathological and immunohistochemical examination in such situations. Our aim is to increase awareness of the unique possibility of PTC presenting as metastatic deposits at unexpected sites.