International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery

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VOLUME 9 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2018 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Exophytic Follicular Carcinoma of Thyroid: An Unknown Clinical Entity

Viraj V Borgaonkar, Harsh R Shah, Vijay D Borgaonkar

Keywords : Exophytic thyroid mass, Follicular thyroid carcinoma, Nodulectomy

Citation Information : Borgaonkar VV, Shah HR, Borgaonkar VD. Exophytic Follicular Carcinoma of Thyroid: An Unknown Clinical Entity. Int J Head Neck Surg 2018; 9 (3):101-103.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10001-1343

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-08-2019

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2018; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: As per the ICMR registry, thyroid cancer is shown to be an emerging cancer in India, especially in Chennai and Bengaluru. Of the various types of thyroid cancers, follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common well-differentiated thyroid cancer and constitutes about 10% of all thyroid malignancies. It is often diagnosed between the ages of 40 years and 60 years. Females are affected three times more often than males, making it the sixth most common malignancy in females. It is more commonly found among the people living in iodine deficient endemic areas. Appropriate early surgical treatment can reduce the risk of metastasis and recurrence. A neglected goiter can occasionally present with large dimensions and thereby increase the risk of carcinoma. Purpose: To study a unique case of an exophytic thyroid mass that was inadequately managed earlier with nodulectomy. The mass gradually manifested in the form of exophytic follicular thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Our study is a retrospective, explanatory case report of a unique exophytic thyroid follicular carcinoma. The objective of this case report is to highlight the need for a proper assessment and management of any thyroid neck swellings. Results: Our patient had presented with a huge thyroid mass with a history of being inadequately managed earlier. Investigations were carried out that revealed it to be an exophytic thyroid mass with features of invasive follicular carcinoma on histopathological examination. The earlier inadequate surgical treatments had paved the way for the cancer to spread and invade the subcutaneous tissues and the skin. Conclusion: Our case report is unique as although follicular thyroid carcinoma is the second most common cancer of the thyroid gland, its manifestation in the form of an exophytic thyroid mass is unheard. A comprehensive literature search on PUBMED/MEDLINE was carried out for the literature on exophytic follicular thyroid carcinoma, but we were unable to find any literature on the same. The inability of healthcare access, lack of patient's concern, denial of appropriate treatment, and inadequate assessment/treatment of the thyroid swellings (as in this case) can result in an exophytic thyroid mass which could be carcinogenic, e.g., follicular carcinoma as in this case.


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