# Ectopic Thyroid Tissue Mimicking a Carotid Body Paraganglioma

## TL;DR

A rare case of ectopic thyroid tissue was mistaken for a paraganglioma, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis.

## Contribution

This case adds to the limited literature on ectopic thyroid tissue mimicking paraganglioma and emphasizes diagnostic challenges.

## Key findings

- A 68-year-old woman presented with a cervical swelling initially diagnosed as a paraganglioma.
- Histopathology revealed the tumor was an ectopic thyroid adenoma, not a paraganglioma.
- The case underscores the importance of considering ectopic thyroid tissue in differential diagnosis.

## Abstract

Ectopic thyroid tissue (ETT) in the lateral neck is a rare condition. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman who was admitted to our department with an isolated left lateral cervical swelling evolving for over eight months. CT scan and cervical MRI concluded to a paraganglioma. In surgery, a complete removal of the tumor was performed; however, it did not have the aspect of a paraganglioma. Then, histopathology revealed an ectopic thyroid adenoma.

Even though ETT is very rare, it must be mentioned in the differential diagnosis of cervical paraganglioma.