Cervical lymph node metastasis from occult tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with incidental ectopic parathyroid tissue: a case report.

Authors

Paolo Izzo, Claudia De Intinis, Silvia Lai, Antonio D'Urso, Simone Sibio, Paolo Meloni, Pierfrancesco Di Cello, Luciano Izzo, Marcello Molle, Sara Izzo

Published in

Journal of surgical case reports. Volume 2026. Issue 6. Pages rjag306. Epub May 31, 2026.

Abstract

Parathyroid glands originate from the third and fourth branchial pouches, and alterations in their embryological migration may result in ectopic parathyroid tissue, a rare finding, particularly within cervical lymph nodes. We describe the case of a 74-year-old man presenting with neck swelling, weight loss, dysphagia, and respiratory symptoms. Clinical examination revealed a firm cervical mass, while ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, and computed tomography imaging were inconclusive. Surgical excision and histopathological evaluation revealed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and incidental ectopic parathyroid tissue within a cervical lymph node. A tonsillar carcinoma was subsequently identified as the primary tumor, and the patient was treated with radio-chemotherapy. This case highlights the rarity of ectopic parathyroid tissue in lymph nodes, especially in the absence of calcium metabolism disorders, and emphasizes the importance of accurate differential diagnosis to avoid misinterpretation and inappropriate management.

PMID:
42226844
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 02 Jun 2026.

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