Intratracheal thyroid

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endocrinology
• Pathology

Background:

• Ectopic thyroid tissue in the trachea is a rare condition.
• It can cause upper airway obstruction and symptoms mimicking asthma.
• Diagnosis is often delayed due to its unusual presentation.

Observation:

• A 56-year-old female presented with a year of worsening shortness of breath and wheezing.
• She was initially treated for asthma without improvement.
• An upper tracheal submucosal mass was identified via laryngoscopy and tomography.

Findings:

• Biopsies confirmed nodular ectopic thyroid tissue.
• The mass was surgically removed through a cervical incision with a tracheal flap.
• Histological examination revealed benign thyroid tissue.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering ectopic thyroid tissue in the differential diagnosis of airway obstruction.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for effective management.
• Successful surgical outcomes demonstrate the viability of this treatment approach.