Abstract

Background: This paper reports the diagnostic process of a case involving an 86-year-old male patient who was admitted with cough, sputum, and fever, accompanied by persistent leukocytosis.
Methods: Through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion, the laboratory department identified elevated ferritin levels, prompting clinical consideration of potential malignancy.
Results: Further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of thyroid cancer with multiple lung metastases.
Conclusions: This case highlights the potential value of ferritin in tumor diagnosis, offering new insights into the etiology of abnormal leukocyte elevation. Additionally, the active involvement of the laboratory department in MDT discussions proves to be crucial for diagnosing challenging cases.

DOI: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240123