From 2021 to 2024, our institute recorded 600 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma, of which 4 were identified as hobnail variants. This results in an incidence rate of 0.67%. The median follow-up is 40 months (Range − 9–48). The mean tumor size was 3.3 cm (SD − 1.57). The clinical and pathological characteristics and treatment is outlined in Table 1. The architectural growth pattern was predominantly micropapillary, characterized by small papillae. Additional common histological features included the loss or inversion of cellular polarity, increased eosinophilic cytoplasm, elevated nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios, and pleomorphic nuclei predominantly situated at the apical portion of the cytoplasm.(Fig. 1–5)
Table 1
Table showing patient characteristics
| Patient 1 | Patient 2 | Patient 3 | Patient 4 |
Age(Years) | 24 | 71 | 57 | 62 |
Sex | M | M | F | M |
Stage | I | II | II | I |
pT | T3a | T3a | T2 | T2 |
pN | N1a | N1a | N1a | N0 |
Tumor Size | 2.7 cm | 6 cm | 2.2 cm | 2.3 cm |
Tumor Focality | Unifocal | Unifocal | Unifocal | Unifocal |
LVI | Present | Absent | Present | Absent |
PNI | Present | Absent | Absent | Absent |
ETE | Absent | Absent | Absent | Absent |
Hobnail % | 15 | > 30 | > 30 | > 30 |
Lymph node Metastasis | 50/118 | 0/8 | 4/8 | 0/5 |
Largest Node | 2.3 cm | NA | 1.5 cm | NA |
Largest Deposit | 2 | NA | 1.5 cm | NA |
ENE | Present | NA | Absent | NA |
Molecular Markers | BRAF +, p53 - | BRAF+, P53 + | BRAF -, P53 +, RET - | BRAF +, p53 + |
Adj RT | Yes | No | Yes | No |
RAI | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Recurrence | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Last Thyroglobulin (ng/ml) | 0.1 | 1.9 | < 0.20 | 6.96 |
Last Anti-Thyroglobulin (IU/ml) | 43.9 | < 15 | < 15 | 72.2 |
Survival | 42 months | 38 months | 48 months | 9 months |
Mortality | Alive | Alive | Alive | Alive |
(LVI - Lymphovascular invasion, PNI - Perineural invasion, ETE - Extrathyroidal extension, RT - Radiotherapy, ENE - Extranodal extension, RAI - Radioactive iodine therapy)
Clinical course of each patient -
Patient 1 is a 25-year-old normotensive, non-diabetic male, presented with a non tender firm left neck swelling for 4 months. Preoperative USG showed an approx 3 X 3 cm echogenic mass in the left lobe of the thyroid, along with > 1 cm nodes in bilateral cervical regions. USG guided FNAC was reported as PTC. Surgical intervention, including total thyroidectomy with central compartment neck dissection, bilateral selective neck dissection (levels II-V), retroclavicular and suprasternal nodal dissection was performed in March 2021. This was followed by RAI in April 2021. Post ablation scan showed no evidence of recurrence. A follow up USG of the neck identified a recurrence in the thyroid bed in December 2021, necessitating further surgical clearance of the right thyroid bed and bilateral cervical nodal clearance.
Diagnostic imaging via PET CT in January 2022 revealed a metabolically active discrete lymph node in level II, juxtaposed to surgical sutures. A subsequent ultrasound of the neck identified a rounded lymph node measuring 0.5cm in level III. FNAC guided by ultrasound confirmed the presence of malignant cells, indicative of metastatic carcinoma in the context of a known history of HVPTC.
The patient underwent modified radical neck dissection in February 2022, with histopathological examination revealing metastatic involvement in a single lymph node. In view of multiple recurrences, the case was discussed in multidisciplinary tumor board and adjuvant radiotherapy measuring 60 Gy in 30# was administered until April 15, 2022, alongside a regimen of Thyronorm at a dosage of 125 mcg/day. The patient was kept on follow up. Subsequent USG of the neck in April 2023 detected right level 1b lymph node alterations characterized by the loss of fatty hilum, alongside other lymph nodes in the neck. USG guided FNAC was done, however, it was unable to gather representative material. The patient was kept under close follow up.
In the last followup in April 2024, the patient remained on Thyronorm 125 mcg/day, with TSH levels measuring 0.039 uIU/ml. Thyroglobulin panel results indicated thyroglobulin at 0.1 ng/ml with elevated anti-thyroglobulin antibodies at 43.9 IU/ml. USG examination of the neck revealed no abnormal findings. The patient is currently alive with no recurrence.
Patient 2, a normotensive, non-diabetic 71-year-old male, presented with a history of voice changes persisting for 7 months and swelling on the left side of the neck for 1 month. Clinical examination revealed a soft, cystic swelling measuring 8 x 8 cm involving the left thyroid lobe and isthmus, without retrosternal extension or significant lymphadenopathy. USG neck revealed enlargement of the left thyroid lobe measuring 76 x 53 x 41 mm with multiple cystic nodular areas. FNAC demonstrated findings suspicious for malignancy categorized as Bethesda V. Preoperative endoscopy revealed normal mobile bilateral vocal cords. Consequently, the patient underwent a left hemithyroidectomy followed by frozen section assessment which revealed malignancy and subsequent total thyroidectomy in July 2021. Histopathological examination confirmed HVPTC.
After 1 month an I-131 whole-body scan revealed evidence of residual functioning thyroid tissue in the neck. The patient was optimized prior to radioiodine treatment. A dosage of 116mCi of I-131 was administered for radioiodine ablation therapy. Post-ablation imaging revealed no residual functioning thyroid tissue. The patient is currently under regular follow-up and last imaging done in March 2024 showed no evidence of disease recurrence.
Patient 3, a normotensive and non diabetic lady, initially presented with a one-month history of lower neck swelling, prompting evaluation that revealed a thyroid lesion suspicious of malignancy on USG Neck. FNAC confirmed the malignant nature of the lesion. Subsequently, the patient underwent Total Thyroidectomy with Central Neck Dissection (CND) in September 2020, followed by RAIA involving the administration of 201 mCi of I131 in October 2020. A PET CT scan performed in October 2020, identified an enlarged lymph node in the right paratracheal region with increased uptake, further confirmed by FNAC demonstrating malignant involvement.
The patient subsequently underwent Cervical Mediastinoscopy with Mediastinal Lymph Node Clearance in October 2020. Histopathological examination revealed metastatic involvement in two lymph nodes (involving the highest 2R and Level VI). Following this, External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) was administered measuring 60 Gy in 30#. The patient had been maintained on Thyronorm at a dosage of 125 mcg/day.
A subsequent ultrasound of the neck conducted on July 8, 2021, detected sub-centimeter to centimeter-sized lymph nodes in both right and left level II regions with loss of fatty hilum. TSH levels measured 0.13 uIU/ml at this time. FNAC confirmed the presence of malignant cells consistent with metastatic carcinoma in the context of thyroid cancer.
In September 2021, the patient underwent bilateral neck dissection, revealing metastatic involvement in 5 out of 10 nodes examined. Following a disease-free period of six months, the patient experienced a recurrence of bilateral neck disease and was subsequently referred to medical oncology. Treatment was initiated in March 2022 with Lenvatinib 24 mg once daily, currently resulting in stable disease status with thyroglobulin < 0.2 ng/ml. Presently, the patient remains alive with ongoing management.
Patient 4, a normotensive and nondiabetic 62-year-old male, presented with a one-month history of right neck swelling. Clinical examination revealed a mobile, non-tender right thyroid nodule measuring 3 x 2cm, with no significant lymphadenopathy noted.
USG neck conducted in Nov 2023 identified a well-defined, solid, isoechoic lesion, measuring approximately 17 x 15 x 17mm, which was observed in the superior aspect of the right lobe. Additionally, a few subcentimeter-sized lymph nodes in the right level II and III regions, with preserved fatty hilum, were detected, measuring up to 5mm. FNAC indicated a Bethesda VI classification.
The patient underwent Total Thyroidectomy with Bilateral Central Compartment Lymph Node Dissection in December 2023. Subsequent to surgery, the patient received RAI therapy. Post ablation scan did not show any residual functioning thyroid tissue. In the last followup in July 2024, the patient is alive and exhibiting satisfactory clinical progress.