Paraganglioma of the Thyroid Gland: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Jan;103(1):9-12. doi: 10.1177/01455613211034595. Epub 2021 Aug 12.

Abstract

Paragangliomas of the thyroid gland are rare and usually they originate from the inferior laryngeal paraganglia. In this case report, we describe the case of a 78-year-old woman who presented with an incidental finding of thyroid nodule dislocating the trachea. After a systemic and radiological evaluation, right lobo-isthmectomy was performed, and the definitive diagnosis of paraganglioma was reached. Diagnosis of these thyroidal lesions could be difficult due to their rarity, to their specific radiological aspects and the need of employing specific histological staining techniques. Once the definitive diagnosis is reached, patients should undergo a systemic and genetic evaluation. Surgery is the gold standard treatment; radiotherapy should be considered when aggressive behavior is suspected. Regular long-lasting follow-up should be proposed to these patients considering the unpredictable behavior of these lesions.

Keywords: ENT; endocrinology; paraganglioma; thyroid.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Paraganglioma* / pathology
  • Thyroid Nodule* / surgery
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Trachea / pathology