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.