Abstract
The presence of an ectopic thyroid at the base of the tongue (midline) is a rare embryological malformation in the descending process of the thyroid gland and is termed as Lingual thyroid. These aberrant thyroid tissue are commonly found in the base of the tongue and it is subjected to the same diseases as the thyroid gland. A 22-year-old male patient presented to our ward with the chief complaint of sore throat for three days duration with no other symptoms. On fiberoptic nasolarygoscopic examination (FNE) a well-defined, circumscribed swelling with a rich blood supply was detected at the posterior aspect of the tongue. Tc⁹⁹ᵐ scanning showed increased tracer activity was noted in the sublingual region suggestive of a Lingual thyroid with thyroiditis whilst thyroid function tests confirmed Hypothyroidism. The patient was treated conservatively with steroids and thyroxine. Surgery was not offered due to the lack of obstructive features. His symptoms have since improved and is followed up at our clinic.
Highlights
The presence of an ectopic thyroid in the base of the tongue in midline is a rare embryological malformation in the descending process of the thyroid gland and termed as Lingual thyroid
The presence of an ectopic thyroid at the base of the tongue is a rare embryological malformation in the descending process of the thyroid gland and is termed as Lingual thyroid. These aberrant thyroid tissue are commonly found in the base of the tongue and it is subjected to the same diseases as the thyroid gland
On fiberoptic nasolarygoscopic examination (FNE) a well-defined, circumscribed swelling with a rich blood supply was detected at the posterior aspect of the tongue
Summary
The presence of an ectopic thyroid in the base of the tongue in midline is a rare embryological malformation in the descending process of the thyroid gland and termed as Lingual thyroid. In the development of the neck during embryogenesis the thyroid gland appears as an epithelial proliferation in the floor of the pharynx and subsequently the collection of the thyroid tissue fails to descend in front of the hyoid bone and the laryngeal cartilages. These aberrant thyroid tissue are commonly found in the base of the tongue and it is subjected to the same diseases as the thyroid gland[2]. A 22-year-old male patient presented to our ward with the chief complaint of dysphagia and sore throat for three days duration with no other symptoms He was not on any medication and the rest of the history was insignificant. If significant obstructive features are to develop surgical intervention in the form of a lingual thyroidectomy have been planned
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