Multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma arising in a lingual thyroid: a case report

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Lingual thyroid is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from ectopic thyroid tissue in the tongue.
• Malignant transformation within a lingual thyroid is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
• Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid malignancy.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma originating from a lingual thyroid.
• The tumor was successfully excised using a transcervical, transhyoid surgical approach.
• Post-operative radioiodine ablation was administered.

Findings:

• The surgical intervention and subsequent radioiodine ablation achieved excellent functional and oncologic results.
• This case represents the first reported instance of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma in a lingual thyroid.
• The patient experienced a favorable recovery with no evidence of recurrence.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of rare thyroid malignancies and their management.
• It underscores the feasibility and efficacy of surgical excision and radioiodine ablation for lingual thyroid carcinoma.
• Further research into the diagnosis and long-term management of lingual thyroid neoplasms is warranted.