Thyroid Cancer Presenting as Neck Pain at a Chiropractic Clinic

Abstract

We report an unusual case of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting with progressive neck pain in a 58-year-old female with known bilateral thyroid nodules. Despite initial benign ultrasonographic findings and trials of conservative therapy for over 2 months, the patient's anterior neck pain and unremitting symptoms prompted concern regarding an underlying orthopedic condition. She sought chiropractic consultation, and MRI revealed pathologic vertebral fractures. Biopsy of the thyroid and vertebral bone lesions demonstrated metastatic thyroid carcinoma. The patient was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. The early detection of metastatic disease is critical for optimizing oncological treatment and outcomes. This case highlights the importance of close follow-up when the initial workup or management fails, consideration of sinister pathologies in high-risk patients, and a multidisciplinary approach to complex conditions. It provides an important reminder not to attribute unresolved symptoms to benign causes without serial re-evaluation, especially in patients with known risks, such as thyroid disease. A high index of suspicion and openness to atypical disease presentations is fundamental to avoid missed opportunities for diagnosis and prompt treatment. Copyright © 2023, Cheong et al.