Case of Colloid Nodular Goitre in a Rare Submandibular Location

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Developmental Biology
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Ectopic thyroid is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from abnormal migration of the thyroid primordium.
• Submandibular location is an uncommon site for ectopic thyroid tissue.
• It can occur independently or alongside a normally positioned orthotopic thyroid gland.

Observation:

• A young female presented with symptoms of hypothyroidism and a noticeable swelling in the left submandibular region.
• Diagnostic imaging revealed the swelling to be thyroid tissue.
• Cytological examination confirmed the presence of colloid nodular goiter within the ectopic thyroid tissue.

Findings:

• The submandibular swelling was diagnosed as a colloid nodular goiter arising from ectopic thyroid tissue.
• The patient had coexisting hypothyroidism, consistent with the functional status of the ectopic gland.
• Imaging and cytology were crucial in differentiating this rare anomaly from other neck masses.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering rare ectopic thyroid presentations in the differential diagnosis of neck masses, especially in young patients with hypothyroidism.
• Accurate diagnosis through imaging and cytology is essential for appropriate management and to rule out other pathologies.
• Understanding the developmental basis of ectopic thyroid glands aids in diagnosing and managing these uncommon thyroid conditions.