Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma Invasion of the Ipsilateral Internal Jugular Vein: A Case Report

Abstract

Thyroid cancer is the common malignancy of the endocrine system. Thyroid neoplasms are usually asymptomatic and slow growing. Uncommonly, aggressive thyroid neoplasms may invade adjacent blood vessels. Internal jugular vein invasion is a rare complication of an aggressive thyroid malignancy. Careful sonographic examination of a thrombus-like structure inside a blood vessel adjacent to the affected thyroid could reveal that the “thrombus” is part of the thyroid mass. The continuity of a thyroid neoplasm into the vascular lumen and inner-“thrombus” vascularity confirms the cancerous invasion. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy is standard for differentiating benign versus malignant thyroid nodules. Genetic testing of thyroid nodules provides valuable clinical information in addition to the routine cytological analysis.