Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Presenting as a Colloid Nodular Goiter: A Case Report with Histopathological Evaluation

Abstract

Background Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer, and the follicular variant (FVPTC) in particular, presents unique diagnostic challenges. This case report details the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a 31-year-old female patient initially diagnosed with a colloid nodular goiter but was later found to have FVPTC. Case Presentation: A 31-year-old female presented with a painless mass on the right side of her neck. Initial ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) suggested a benign colloid nodule. Surgical excision of the lobe containing the mass and subsequent histopathological examination later confirmed FVPTC. The patient had to undergo a total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine therapy and has been monitored for recurrence. Conclusion This case underscores the limitations of ultrasound and FNA in diagnosing thyroid nodules and the importance of histopathological examination for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.