Submandibular ectopic thyroid with normally located thyroid gland.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Developmental Biology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Ectopic thyroid, a rare developmental anomaly, involves thyroid tissue located outside the pretracheal region.
• While most ectopic thyroids are found in the neck, submandibular locations are exceptionally uncommon.
• The coexistence of submandibular ectopic thyroid with a functional orthotopic thyroid gland is exceedingly rare.

Observation:

• A 37-year-old female presented with neck swelling.
• Ultrasonography was performed to investigate the swelling.
• The imaging revealed ectopic thyroid tissue in the submandibular region.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with submandibular ectopic thyroid tissue.
• Crucially, the patient also presented with a normally functioning orthotopic thyroid gland.
• This simultaneous presentation is a highly unusual finding in medical literature.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of ectopic thyroid presentations.
• It underscores the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation for neck masses, even with a confirmed orthotopic thyroid.
• Further research may elucidate the embryological mechanisms behind such rare dual presentations.