Carcinomas in the remnant thyroid after thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease: report of a case

Abstract

A 52-year-old female who had undergone subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease 20 years previously was referred to us with nodules in both lobes in her remnant thyroid. Although benign follicular tumors were most likely to be considered on further examinations, total remnant thyroidectomy was performed due to the increasing size of the nodules. Diagnoses of papillary carcinoma (follicular variant) and minimally invasive follicular carcinoma were strongly suspected based on the findings of the histological examination. In follow-up examinations after subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease, not only function but also structure of the remnant thyroid, should be focused on. Although rare, the possibility for carcinoma should be considered if nodules present in the remnant thyroid.