Concurrent identification of follicular lymphoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma

PTC has high lymph node metastasis, affecting central and lateral lymph nodes. On the other hand, follicular lymphoma is the second most frequent non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the West and affects cervical lymph nodes. A 66-year-old Saudi man with type 2 diabetes and hypertension presented with neck lumps on both sides of his neck. The swelling was progressive, with no apparent cause, no history of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and no constitutional symptoms. Physical examination revealed multiple lymph node enlargements and a hard, firm mass on his thyroid gland. Multiple malignant neoplasms are rare, but secondary primary cancers have been documented in patients with PTC. The occurrence of both cancers is commonly detected during follow-up and aided by modern imaging techniques. The main treatment for PTC is surgery, usually with a good prognosis. A 66-year-old male was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma during a papillary thyroid carcinoma workup, emphasizing the importance of careful lymph node dissection and microscopic examination for rare cases. •A case report that shows incidental follicular carcinoma during the workup for papillary thyroid carcinoma.•The importance of careful lymph node dissection and microscopic examination of the lymph nodes helped with the diagnosis of follicular carcinoma that was through lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma.