A case of lingual thyroid

Abstract

In the examination of a 32-year-old female complaining of a sore throat, a walnut-sized tumor was detected at the center of the tongue base. Diagnostic procedures, including CT scanning, scintigram and ultrasonography suggested the presense of an ectopic thyroid gland. Tissue biopsy confirmed that diagnosis. Therapy was deemed unnecessary. The patient was followed up as an outpatient. Among the diagnostic procedures employed in this case, ultrasonography proved most useful. In addition to the clinical report, comprehensive reviews of the literature concerning the pathogenesis, epidemiological factors, and clinical considerations of ectopic thyroid gland are discussed. Because the vast majority of cases ectopic thyroid gland are first seen by the otolaryngologist, it is imperative that such specialists have a comprehensive knowledge of this rare, anomalous development of that gland.