Unusual Metastasis from Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Introduction Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is a type of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. It has a poorer prognosis, is more metastatic, and has characteristics different from papillary thyroid carcinoma. It tends to metastasize hematogenously, usually to the bones and lungs. This study aims to present a…
2025 3,947 reads 0 citations
Case Reports
Unusual Metastasis from Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
IntroductionFollicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is a type of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. It has a poorer prognosis, is more metastatic, and has characteristics different from papillary thyroid carcinoma. It tends to metastasize hematogenously, usually to the bones and lungs. This study aims to present a rare case of FTC metastasis to the peritoneum and thigh of a patient with a literature review.
Case presentationA 70-year-old patient presented with a right thigh mass. Magnetic resonance imaging of the right thigh revealed an intramedullary lesion in the femoral diaphysis. The thyroid gland was firm, with no evidence of enlargement. A computed tomography scan showed several peritoneal nodules. A core biopsy of the right upper femoral lesion and peritoneal mass was performed. Histopathologic findings and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed metastatic FTC with thyroid origin.
Literature reviewUnlike widely invasive FTC, minimally invasive FTC has a better prognosis and is less metastatic. Imaging, histopathologic examination, and immunohistochemistry can help in arriving at a diagnosis of FTC. Mutations of PPAR-γ and RAS are associated with FTC. Radioiodine treatment and suppressive therapy for the thyroid-stimulating hormone have been shown to improve survival rates of FTC, with postoperative follow-ups and treatment being important.
ConclusionMetastasis of FTC to the peritoneum is rare and could lead to a late diagnosis. Proper diagnosis with confirmatory tools such as immunohistochemistry and adequate treatment are critical.
Keywords Follicular thyroid carcinoma Metastasis Peritoneum Thigh All subjects
Barw Medical Journal. 2025;3(5):57–62