Tract Implantation of Thyroid Carcinoma After Transoral Thyroidectomy
10.3342/kjorl-hns.2023.00276
- Author:
Minhyung LEE
1
;
Dong Hoon SHIN
;
Hyun Jung LEE
;
Jin-Choon LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2024;67(3):177-182
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Transoral thyroidectomy is a promising technique because of its superior postoperative cosmesis. Although tract implantation after remote-access thyroidectomy is extremely rare, it can result in poor outcomes. A 45-year-old female presented with multiple palpable nodules in the anterior neck after a transoral thyroidectomy for which thyroid function tests, CT, ultrasonography, and fine-needle aspiration were performed. The thyroid function test results were normal. CT and ultrasonography revealed multiple, well-defined nodules at levels Ia and VI along the tracks left by the endoscopic instrument inserted during transoral thyroidectomy. Fineneedle aspiration revealed a microfollicular structure derived from thyroid tissue without evidence of atypia. Wash-out fluid from the nodules revealed elevated thyroglobulin levels. Initially, the patient was hesitant about surgical removal, but the nodules grew larger, so surgical removal was performed. Final histopathological examination revealed follicular thyroid carcinoma. The patient was recommended extensive resection but was lost to follow-up.
