Choristoma: a very rare cause of thyroid nodule. Case report and literature review

Hormones (Athens). 2024 Dec;23(4):683-686. doi: 10.1007/s42000-024-00570-x. Epub 2024 May 31.

Abstract

Background: Choristoma is a well-defined benign lesion formed by histologically normal tissue in an unusual location. Diagnosis is confirmed after surgical removal of the mass. To our knowledge, to date there has been only one case of thyroid choristoma described in the literature.

Patient findings: A 70-year-old man with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma presented with sudden cervical enlargement. Cervical CT scan showed a 47mm hypodense nodule on the right thyroid lobe. Fine-needle aspiration revealed follicular lesion of undetermined significance. During the following weeks there was noticeable thyroid enlargement. Reassessment with thyroid ultrasound showed a 73mm nodule. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed a choristoma composed of squamous epithelium lined cysts, smooth muscle, adipose tissue, connective tissue, foci of ossification and extramedullary hematopoiesis. No cytological atypia or tumoral necrosis were found. Thyroid choristomas are an exceedingly rare cause of a thyroid nodule.

Keywords: Choristoma; Thyroid; Thyroid nodule.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Choristoma* / complications
  • Choristoma* / diagnosis
  • Choristoma* / pathology
  • Choristoma* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology
  • Thyroid Nodule* / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Nodule* / etiology
  • Thyroid Nodule* / pathology
  • Thyroid Nodule* / surgery
  • Thyroidectomy