Central compartment neoplasms masquerading as thyroid tumors: Presentation of two unusual cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Central compartment neck neoplasms may be misdiagnosed as thyroid lesions when they appose the thyroid. We present two cases of central compartment neck masses masquerading as thyroid lesions. Methods: A 49-year-old female presented with a left-sided central compartment neck mass. CT imaging revealed a tumor emanating from the T1 vertebral body with perithyroidal extension (Case 1). Additionally, a 48-year-old female presented with an anterior central neck mass (Case 2). CT results demonstrated a lesion which was inseparable from the left thyroid lobe. Results: Following surgical resection, final pathology results confirmed the diagnosis of intraosseous schwannoma and teratoma in Cases 1 and 2, respectively. We provide a review of similar neck masses masquerading as thyroid lesions. Conclusions: Non-thyroidal neck masses can be misdiagnosed as thyroid lesions when they involve the thyroid or perithyroidal tissues. We hope to increase awareness of these entities in order to facilitate accurate preoperative diagnosis.

Keywords

• Intraosseous schwannoma
• Teratoma
• Thyroid
• Head and neck
• Central compartment of the neck