Fine needle cytology of intrathyroid epidermoid cyst

A case of fine-needle aspiration of a neck mass with atypical squamous cells and macrophages

Head and neck lesions often undergo fine-needle aspiration to determine the appropriate management and therapeutic decisions. However, there are numerous diagnostic challenges encountered with these specimens, particularly, if atypical squamous cells are identified. Here, we present a case of an enlarging right neck mass in a 38-year-old female and discuss the diagnostic difficulties and potential pitfalls. Additionally, we review the approach to diagnosis, including differential diagnostic considerations as well as available ancillary testing.

Giant epidermal inclusion cyst of the thyroid: a rare occurrence

Epidermal inclusion cyst (EIC) of the thyroid is extremely rare in the clinical practice. A handful of cases have been documented in the past in the world literature. A giant EIC of the thyroid is hitherto unreported. This lesion may arise from the squamous metaplasia of the thyroid follicular cells. Though non-neoplastic, giant forms can cause compression of the vital structures of the neck. In the present case, we have described a giant epidermal inclusion cyst successfully managed with surgical management.

Epidermal inclusion cyst of the thyroid: a rare case of a nodule-like structure at ultrasound

An epidermal/(epi)dermoid cyst of the thyroid is a rare cause of an intrathyroidal mass. At radiological evaluation, it may initially be misinterpreted as a thyroid adenoma or carcinoma. We present a case report of a 15-year-old boy, who was evaluated because of a neck mass which caused globus pharyngeus and pain at swallowing. Ultrasound examination revealed a hypoechoic nodule-like structure in the left thyroid lobe. Aspiration of the nodule yielded white fluid. Cytological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermal inclusion cyst of the thyroid.

Epidermal inclusion cyst in the thyroid gland

Epidermal inclusion cysts (EIC) are common benign lesions of the skin, ovaries, and testicles. However, their occurrence in thyroid gland is rare. We reported a case in which a 57-year-old male patient with history of nontoxic uninodular goiter presented with dysphonia and dysphagia. The cytology of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of the thyroid nodule revealed epidermal cyst. Despite the benign presentation. The patient underwent lobectomy to relieve his clinical symptoms and the surgical pathology exam confirmed the diagnosis of benign thyroid cyst, consistent with EIC of the thyroid.

Thyroid FNA biopsies comprised of abundant, mature squamous cells can be reported as benign: A cytologic study of 18 patients with clinical correlation

BACKGROUND

A thyroid nodule comprised almost exclusively of mature, benign-appearing squamous cells is an uncommon finding in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of thyroid nodules. Reporting such specimens was not originally addressed by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. The authors correlated the biologic behavior of the specimens with their benign cytologic appearance through clinical, radiographic, and surgical follow-up.

METHODS

The pathology archives of 3 tertiary hospitals were searched for thyroid FNA specimens consisting of mature squamous cells without atypia. The authors reviewed all available slides and included only cases that were moderately to highly cellular; nucleated or anucleate squamous cells without atypia comprised the vast majority of the cellularity. Available clinical information and/or thyroid ultrasound examination(s) were reviewed by an endocrinologist or radiologist, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients (7 men and 11 women; age range, 19-76 years) with 20 nodules met the prespecified inclusion criteria. The average nodule size was 2.1 cm. Common sonographic characteristics included a well-defined appearance, the lack of internal vascularity, a thin outer wall, general hypoechogenicity with low-intermediate internal echoes, and posterior acoustic enhancement. Clinical and radiographic follow-up (mean, 3.8 years; range, <1 to 9 years) was available for 9 patients, and all nodules were stable. All 4 cases with histologic follow-up were benign squamous-lined cysts.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the current study suggest that thyroid FNA specimens comprised almost exclusively of mature squamous cells can be reported as benign. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:336-41. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Aberrant Intrathyroid Tissue: a Report of Intrathyroid Lymph Node Metastasis and a Review of Literature

Aberrant histological elements have been infrequently reported to exist within the intact thyroid gland. In addition to distant metastases to the thyroid, a number of ectopic tissue rests and unusual cysts have been described within the thyroid gland. In this article, we report the presence of a true intrathyroid lymph node and describe the first reported case of intrathyroid lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer. Other reported aberrant intrathyroid tissues, possible pathophysiology, diagnostic features and surgical implications are also discussed.