Follicular Carcinoma of Thyroid Metastasizing to the Sphenoid Sinus

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Metastatic tumors to the nose and paranasal sinuses are unusual with 167 cases published in the literature since 1951. The most common locations of the primary tumors are renal, lung, breast, testis, gastrointestinal tract and thyroid gland. There are only 26 documented cases of metastasis to the sphenoid sinus of which only six are from follicular carcinoma thyroid. Materials and methods Case reports of two patients referred to our department with ocular symptoms having a final diagnosis of follicular carcinoma thyroid with sphenoid sinus metastasis were studied and literature review done. Discussion Metastasis to the sphenoid sinus from follicular carcinoma thyroid is a rare entity and here we present two more cases of which one was an occult thyroid carcinoma. Both patients presented with ocular symptoms and the features of metastasis was the first sign of disease. Conclusion Early diagnosis of signs and symptoms relating to metastatic sphenoid disease is necessary as these are frequently the first presentation of malignancy. Even though cure of patients with sphenoid sinus metastasis has not been reported, palliation with resolution of morbidity is possible. How to cite this article Radhakrishnan SR, Andru A, Peetta-kkandy V. Follicular Carcinoma of Thyroid Metastasizing to the Sphenoid Sinus. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2015;8(2):53-57.