T. Pisani et al., Tall cell variant of papillary carcinoma coexisting with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis - A case report, ACT CYTOL, 43(3), 1999, pp. 435-438
Citations number
18
Categorie Soggetti
Research/Laboratory Medicine & Medical Tecnology","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown a correlation between lymphocytic thy
roiditis and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. It is thought that autoimm
une thyroiditis could be a risk factor for the development of thyroid carci
noma, mainly for the papillary variant.
CASE: A 59-year-old female presented with It history of enlargement in the
neck and Jive months of dysphagia. Clinical examination showed generalized
expansion and an increase in the hardness of the thyroid gland. Hormonal ou
tline showed subclinical hypothyroidism with serum levels of TSH slightly e
levated (5 mu g/dL; range, 0.25-4). Thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroperox
idase titers were moderately positive. Given these results, a diagnosis of
chronic thyroiditis was made. Thyroid ultrasound scan showed diffuse gland
irregularity and the presence of a solitary Module (2.3 cm in diameter) loc
alized in the right lobe. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the nodul
e was performed under ultrasound guidance.
CONCLUSION: Although clinical and laboratory results supported the diagnosi
s of autoimmune thyroiditis only, FNAB of the nodular lesion provided evide
nce of a rare case of papillary carcinoma, tall cell variant, confirmed by
histologic results.