Hemi-mandibulectomy without bony reconstruction: A case report of mandibular metastasis from a silent differentiated papillary thyroid cancer

Distant spread to the jaw is a rare metastatic manifestation from papillary thyroid cancer. Complete resection of tumor extension in the facial and oral regions requires consideration to compromise mastication functioning and facial aesthetics. Current advances in the microvascular surgery have facilitated excellent restoration of patient's functioning. Inadequate expertise, facility, longer surgery time and inpatient care, and healthcare insurance disbursement are common challenges in developing countries to perform microvascular surgery. A 54-year female presented in an oncology clinic with a rapid progressive lump in the jaw without inflammatory signs. CT-scan revealed a 5.9x5.3 × 5cm lesion with osteo-destruction in the left mandible body. Biopsy was performed indicating a papillary adenocarcinoma invasion. Neck sonography showed hypoechoic nodule with regular border in the thyroid lobes. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed benign follicular cells with Bethesda class II. Total thyroidectomy with frozen section and left hemi-mandibulectomy without bony reconstruction were then performed. Histopathological examination showed papillary thyroid cancer with follicular variant in the thyroid and mandible lesion. Thyroid ablation, TSH suppression, and chewing rehabilitation programs were accomplished by the patient. Partial mandibulectomy without bony reconstruction might be an option for selected patients with careful consideration from multidisciplinary team members in which extensive surgery with immediate bony reconstruction is not possible. •Mandibulectomy without reconstruction can be performed for selected cases.•Metastasis to the mandible from differentiated thyroid cancer is rare.•Silent thyroid cancer can be manifested as mandible metastasis.