Work

Warthin’s Tumor: A Diagnostic Challenge as a Metastatic Mimicker on Post-I-131 Therapy Scan

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We present a rare case with an incidental finding of Warthin's tumour demonstrating I-131 uptake on a post-therapy whole-body scan in a patient treated for thyroid cancer with total thyroidectomy. The unexpected radioiodine concentration in the parotid region raised initial concern for metastatic disease, illustrating how non-thyroidal lesions can mimic pathological findings in post-ablative imaging. This case highlights a well-recognised diagnostic challenge in nuclear medicine: false-positive I-131 uptake. Differentiating benign radioiodine-avid lesions from true metastases is critical to prevent incorrect staging, unnecessary interventions, and inappropriate management decisions in thyroid cancer follow-up.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103721

Authors: Fatma M Al Hajri, Naima Al Bulushi, Zakiya Al-Ajmi, Zamzam Al Bimani

Institution: Royal Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University of Ottawa