Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroid Metastatic to the Parapharyngeal Space

Abstract

The parapharyngeal space is a complex anatomic area which can give rise to a variety of both primary and metastatic neoplasms. Squamous cell carcinoma can also present as a parapharyngeal space mass, either by direct extension or by metastases. Occult thyroid carcinoma presenting as a parapharyngeal space mass is a rare clinical occurrence which has been only sporadically reported in the medical literature. We present a case of occult papillary thyroid cancer with parapharyngeal space metastasis in the form of an isolated tumor, as well as a review of the literature on similiar presentations. This rare situation has been previously described only once in the medical literature. Metastatic thyroid cancel-should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a parapharyngeal space mass.