The first report of bilateral retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma and review of the literature.
Summary of "The first report of bilateral retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma and review of the literature."
Abstract The sites of lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinomas are typically the paratracheal and jugular lymph nodes. On the other hand, metastasis to the retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal nodes from papillary thyroid carcinomas is very rare. During the last two decades, limited to cases with a histologically definite diagnosis by surgery, only 39 cases have been reported. All reported cases were unilateral retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal node metastasis except one metachronous bilateral case, and there were no reports of simultaneous bilateral cases within our literature review. We report three cases of retropharyngeal node metastasis from thyroid papillary carcinoma, including a case of bilateral nodal metastasis. Retropharyngeal node metastasis was successfully resected in all three patients by the transcervical approach. As pointed out in past reports, this report also suggests that prior neck dissection and/or metastasis to cervical lymph nodes might alter the direction of lymphatic drainage to the retrograde fashion, resulting in the unusual metastasis to the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, and there is a possibility of a bilateral pattern. Also, it is necessary to consider the possibility of metastasis from a papillary thyroid carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of lymph node swelling in the parapharyngeal space.
Affiliation
Department of Otorhinolaryngology , Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto , Japan.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Acta oto-laryngologica
ISSN: 1651-2251
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21888566
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/00016489.2011.607844
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
A diagnostic procedure used to determine whether LYMPHATIC METASTASIS has occurred. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to receive drainage from a neoplasm.
Retropharyngeal Abscess
An accumulation of purulent material in the space between the PHARYNX and the CERVICAL VERTEBRAE. This usually results from SUPPURATION of retropharyngeal LYMPH NODES in patients with UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS, perforation of the pharynx, or head and neck injuries.
Lymphoma, Follicular
Malignant lymphoma in which the lymphomatous cells are clustered into identifiable nodules within the LYMPH NODES. The nodules resemble to some extent the GERMINAL CENTER of lymph node follicles and most likely represent neoplastic proliferation of lymph node-derived follicular center B-LYMPHOCYTES.
Local Lymph Node Assay
The local lymph node assay (LLNA) is an alternative method for the identification of chemicals that have the ability to cause skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis. Endpoints have been established so fewer animals are required and less painful procedures are used.
King's Evil
The historic designation for scrofula (TUBERCULOSIS, LYMPH NODE). The disease is so called from the belief that it could be healed by the touch of a king. This term is used only for historical articles using the name "king's evil", and is to be differentiated from scrofula as lymph node tuberculosis in modern clinical medicine. (From Webster, 3d ed)
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