Squamous cell carcinoma and lingual thyroid

This report represents the first known case of squamous cell carcinoma associated with lingual thyroid tissue. Clinical examination of an exophytic mass at the base of tongue, CT imaging and a preoperative biopsy established a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the midline base of tongue. The therapeutic options and management of this carcinoma by surgical resection, irradiation or combined modalities were analyzed. The surgical option was chosen. This was accomplished via a midline labiomandibulo glossal split and primary repair of the wound. The final pathology report revealed a squamous cell carcinoma of the mucosa of the base of tongue directly over a benign lingual thyroid mass. Post-operative thyroid function studies were consistent with hypothyroidism and a thyroid scan confirmed the absence of thyroid tissue.