Patient with lingual thyroid and squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base--case report

We demonstrate a rare case of lingual thyroid together with squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue. 54-year-old patient presented with left sided lymph node enlargement in regions II, III and IV without any clinical symptoms. Physical examination revealed semicircular bulge at the base of tongue measuring 30 x 20 mm and tumorous lesion was suspected. Neck ultrasound showed pathological enlargement of lymph nodes and FNA of lymph node revealed squamous carcinoma cells in the smear. Further investigation included CT and MRI of the neck depicted ectopic thyroid tissue in base of tongue and enlarged and necrotic lymph nodes in regions II and III. Primary carcinoma could not be depicted. Biopsy of the lingual mass was performed and histology confirmed ectopic thyroid tissue. Physical examination of the oral cavity was repeated and suspicious area on the left side of the tongue base near ectopic thyroidal tissue was identified. Histology after biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma with superficial growth. This case emphasizes the important role that collaboration of radiologist and otorhinolaryngologyst has in correctly diagnosing oropharyngeal pathology. Also, we underline the importance of careful oropharyngeal region screening in case of unknown pathologic lymphadenopathy, when the possibility of oropharyngeal cancer has to be considered.