[Ectopic thyroid: the role of thyroid scan]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Radiology
• Congenital Malformations

Background:

• Ectopic thyroid tissue refers to thyroid tissue found outside its normal anatomical location in the neck.
• It is a rare congenital anomaly with various presentations.
• Diagnosis often relies on imaging and biochemical evaluation.

Observation:

• A case of ectopic right thyroid lobe is presented.
• The finding was incidental during a computed tomography (CT) scan.
• The patient was being evaluated for a left lateral cervical mass.

Findings:

• The CT scan confirmed the presence of an ectopic right thyroid lobe.
• This finding adds to the spectrum of ectopic thyroid presentations.
• The relationship between the ectopic thyroid and the cervical mass requires further investigation.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering ectopic thyroid in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses.
• Radiologists and clinicians should be aware of rare presentations of ectopic thyroid.
• Further research into the embryological basis and clinical management of ectopic thyroid is warranted.