Lingual and Cervical Ectopic Thyroid: A Case Report and Literature Review

TL;DR

A 37-year-old woman with hypothyroidism had ectopic thyroid tissue in her neck and tongue, requiring surgery for symptoms.

Contribution

This case highlights the clinical significance of diagnosing and managing multiple ectopic thyroid foci.

Findings

Ectopic thyroid tissue was found at the base of the tongue and in the cervical region.

The absence of a normal thyroid gland was confirmed through imaging and histopathology.

Surgical intervention resolved compressive symptoms and confirmed the diagnosis.

Abstract

Multiple foci of ectopic thyroid tissue are rare and result from abnormal migration of the thyroid gland during embryonic development. This condition may manifest at various sites along the thyroglossal tract. Although often asymptomatic, depending on the location and functional capacity of the ectopic gland, it can cause significant compressive symptoms and may be associated with congenital or acquired hypothyroidism. We reported the case of a 37-year-old woman with hypothyroidism who had a symptomatic cervical nodule with progressive enlargement. Imaging revealed an ectopic thyroid at the base of the tongue and in the cervical region adjacent to the thyroid cartilage, as well as the absence of the thyroid gland in its normal anatomical position. Surgical intervention was indicated for compressive symptoms, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic thyroid tissue. Differential diagnosis with other cervical masses is essential, underscoring the importance of embryological and anatomical knowledge of the thyroid gland for appropriate clinical management.

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