A rare challenging macrofollicular thyroid carcinoma: a case report


ALTUN E., Poyrazoglu I. S., Barcın A., Topcu E.

Journal of Rare Diseases (Germany), cilt.5, sa.1, 2026 (Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 5 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s44162-026-00201-6
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Rare Diseases (Germany)
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: BRAF, Papillary thyroid carcinoma, RAS
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Macrofollicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (MFV-PTC) is an exceptionally rare subtype that mimics benign colloid nodules. Due to its insidious microscopic appearance, it poses a significant risk of cytological misdiagnosis. Case presentation: A 38-year-old woman presented with a suspicious solid thyroid nodule. Two consecutive fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies were reported as Bethesda Category II (Benign). A third FNA finally suggested malignancy, and subsequent histopathology confirmed MFV-PTC. Following total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ablation, the patient remains disease-free at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: MFV-PTC is a rare but critical differential diagnosis in follicular lesions. This case highlights the potential for false-negative cytology and the importance of clinical correlation in managing macrofollicular thyroid nodules.