Unknown tumor of the thyroid region

Parathyroid adenoma is a rare manifestation of a cervical tumor. Parathyroid glands are hormonactive structures located at the posterior part of the thyroid gland. The main function is the controlling of the phospho-calcium-metabolism by production of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

We present the case of a 51-year-old male patient with an incidental finding of a 3,5 x 1,5 cm tumor in the posterior part of the right thyroid lobe because of an elevated uptake in the thyroid scintigraphy. On magnetic resonance imaging the tumor of unknown origin showed a close relationship to the esophagus and the common carotid artery (ACC).

Considering a parathyroid adenoma we indicated a complete removal of the mentioned tumor. After the successful procedure with neuromonitoring of the recurrent nerve in general anaesthesia histologic examination revealed a parathyroid adenoma.

In summary, the dignity of a tumor of unkown origin in the thyroid compartment with elevated scintigraphic uptake should be clarified. Beside pathologies of the thyroid, manifestations like metastasis of head-neck-lesions or other tumourus lesions have to be taken into consideration.

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Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020