Diagnostic Dilemma of Thyroid Adenoma with Supraclavicular Tuberculous Lymphadenitis

Abstract

Thyroid nodule is a discrete lesion in thyroid gland, that is radiologically distinct from the surrounding thyroid parenchyma. The clinical importance of thyroid swelling is related to evaluating their functional status and assess, whether it is benign, malignant ,hypo or hyper active. Thus, subjected to a repeat FNA (fine needle aspiration) from thyroid which revealed benign thyroid follicular adenoma and FNA from supraclavicular lymph node revealed tuberculous lymphadenitis, which was further confirmed by histological sections post operatively. To conclude, supraclavicular lymphadenopathy in a patient with thyroid swelling is not always suggestive of metastatic spread. Tuberculosis should be considered an important differential in the etiology of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy in a patient with thyroid swelling. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an accurate and cost-effective way to evaluate thyroid nodules and lymphadenopathy. Thorough preoperative evaluation helps accurate diagnosis, management and to avoid morbidity related to unnecessary surgical procedure.