Diagnosis of follicular thyroid cancer based on the presence of a metastasis in the vertebral column – case report

Introduction Follicular thyroid cancer, similar to follicular adenoma, usually takes the form of a round, encapsulated tumour. Cytological examination does not allow a firm diagnosis of follicular thyroid cancer to be made. Follicular thyroid cancer can be diagnosed by histopathological examination only after demonstrating the infiltration of the capsule by the tumour and/or vessel invasion. The tumour spreads mainly through the bloodstream causing metastasis to the lungs and bones. We present a case of a 70-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with a follicular thyroid carcinoma based on the presence of a metastasis to the bones.