Papillary thyroid cancer with suspicious uterine cervix metastasis: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Background

Distant metastasis (DM) of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is rare but significantly associated with decreased survival. Accurate clinical staging at initial diagnosis and during follow-up is essential.

Case Description

We report the case of a 38-year-old woman diagnosed with PTC in the left isthmus who presented with a suspicious uterine cervix metastasis during follow-up after total thyroidectomy. She had neither medical history nor family history of thyroid cancer. During surgery, extensive central node metastases were found, and bilateral total thyroidectomy was performed. Even after three rounds of radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation, persistently elevated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels, combined with a suspicious finding on the whole-body scan (WBS) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT), led to the clinical suspicion of uterine cervix metastasis from PTC. Hysterectomy confirmed the pathology of chronic cervicitis. No hidden malignancy was observed. After surgery, negative imaging findings and decreased serum Tg levels were observed.

Conclusions

This case contributes to the discussion of differential diagnostic problems in the setting of clinical and pathological investigations of PTC. However, based on the relevant rationales, through multidisciplinary discussion, this patient can ultimately obtain a better prognosis. Understanding the pitfalls of imaging modalities and continuous efforts to overcome the limitations of the diagnostic process are crucial for future treatment.