Abstract

Microcalcifications of thyroid nodules represent the hallmark of papillary thyroid cancer. We introduce two adult male cases confirmed with neoplasia who were accidentally referred for an endocrine check-up. The first one had persistent cough, and the other restless legs syndrome of unknown cause. The thyroid panel of investigations pointed normal thyroid function, as well as calcitonin with negative thyroid antibodies in each case. The thyroid ultrasound showed a left lobe nodule of 1.68 by 0.97 cm associated small areas of necrosis (cystic-like) with microcalcifications in the case of 59-year old patient. Fine needle aspiration confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma. The second case of 53-year olf man had a right lobe nodule of 1.54 by 1.33 by 1.28 cm with hypoecoic, inhomogeneous structure, and irregular shape with multiple microcalcifications and macrocalcifications. A papillary thyroid cancer was confirmed after total thyroidectomy. The thyroid pathological report was not linked to either of initial symptoms. Microcalcifications in thyroid nodules associate a high suspicion index for papillary thyroid cancer. The underlying pathological report is usually represented by psammoma bodies.

Authors and Affiliations