Natural Sciences, Stomotology, 2026
ISSN: 1829-006X
METASTATIC PAPILLARY THYROID CARCINOMA IN A BRANCHIAL CYST – CASE REPORT
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Submitted: 2026-04-08
© 2026 by author(s) and The Gufo Inc.
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Abstract
A rare case of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma, incidentally, found within a branchial cyst was reported in a
teaching hospital, Kalutara, Sri-Lanka. A 37-year-old female presented with left side lateral neck lump of 4 years
duration. Physical examination revealed a solitary, palpable, painless movable neck lump. Both ultrasound scan and
fine needle aspiration cytology were suggestive of a branchial cyst. Excisional biopsy revealed that it was a papillary
thyroid carcinoma metastatic to/ arising from a branchial cyst. Thyroid Fine needle aspiration biopsy confirmed a
left thyroid nodule with suspicious smears (Thy 4/Bethesda). Patient underwent total thyroidectomy histopathology
confirmed presence of Papillary Thyroid carcinoma.
Branchial cysts are the most common lateral neck masses. Although it is a benign lesion, rarely, it is possible to find
unexpected malignancy within it. During the diagnostic phase, it should be kept in mind that this could be a metastatic lesion from a distant primary or an occult thyroid primary cancer within the branchial cyst. A thorough investigation would help identification of such malignancy and early intervention gives less trouble to both patient and clinician.