Intrabony mandibular metastases caused by papillary thyroid carcinoma masquerading as a parotid swelling

Abstract

Papillary carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for 80–90% of cases. Distant metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer is uncommon, but when it does occur, it is most commonly to the lungs, liver and bone. Bone metastases to the mandible are rarely reported. We present a 68-year-old man who was referred due to a right parotid mass. Appropriate imaging and biopsy revealed a thyroid malignancy with bone metastases. The patient subsequently underwent thyroidectomy, with histology revealing multifocal papillary carcinoma. Radioactive iodine treatment was then commenced to control the metastatic disease.