Direct spread of thyroid follicular carcinoma to the parotid gland and the internal jugular vein: a case report

INTRODUCTION The parotid gland and the great cervical veins are very rarely involved in a metastatic thyroid cancer. CASE PRESENTATION We report an interesting case of an unusual metastasis of a thyroid follicular carcinoma including the histopathological and radiological findings. A woman was seen in the otolaryngology clinic with a mass at the angle of the left side of her jaw. Clinical examination and investigations confirmed a thyroid follicular carcinoma with metastases to the parotid gland and the internal jugular vein. CONCLUSION This is an educational case which highlights the importance of close communication between clinicians, histopathologists and radiologists to ensure that such rare cases are not missed.