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Abstract
The Zurkenkandl tubercle (ZT) is located on the posterior medial edge of the thyroid gland and is represented by a mass of thyroid tissue of various sizes and shapes. According to numerous studies of sectional operating materials, the ZT is determined in 60-95% of cases. The importance of knowing the anatomy and
relationship between the ZT, the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and the upper parathyroid gland is currently unquestioned by most endocrine surgeons, but the possibility of a malignant neoplasm in the ZT is not given enough attention. The aim is to provide a detailed description of the rare case of papillary thyroid carcinoma in the ZT. Case description. A 45-year-old woman underwent surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma (according to cytological conclusion after fine-needle aspiration puncture biopsy) in the right thyroid lobe (in accordance with the ultrasound examination). Results. At first, organ-sparing surgery — right hemithyroidectomy, using a minimally invasive technique, was planned, taking into account the persistent desire of the patient and the absence of strict contraindications. Due to the fact that during the revision of the operation area in the right lobe of the thyroid gland, the tumor was not detected, the scope of surgery intervention was extended to the standard Kocher, which made it possible to identify the tumor in the TZ. Conclusion. When planning thyroid surgery for a malignant tumor using minimally invasive techniques, one should take into account the possibility of the tumor being located in the lobe of the thyroid gland relative to the anterior surface of the neck, trachea, and thyroid capsule. If an ultrasound indicates a subcapsular location, closer to the posterior surface of the thyroid particle and medial to the trachea, it can be assumed that the tumor will be located in the ZT. This makes surgery, using any minimally invasive technique, more technically difficult and may lead to surgery using the standard Kocher approach.
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