Ectopic parathyroid adenoma initially suspected to be a thyroid lesion.

Considering the variety of aberrant locations in which ectopic parathyroid adenomas may be found, these neoplasms can be difficult to identify and treat surgically. The results of radiographic and cytologic studies may lead to confusion of these neoplasms with lesions of thyroid origin. We present a case of an ectopic parathyroid adenoma for which misleading localization prompted cytologic misdiagnosis and intraoperative suspicion of thyroid carcinoma.