A Unique Presentation of Ectopic Thyroid Tissue: Case Report and Management Principles.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Developmental Biology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Ectopic thyroid, a rare condition, arises from developmental defects during thyroid gland embryogenesis.
• It can occur along the thyroglossal duct or in distant sites like the mediastinum or sub-diaphragmatic spaces.
• Diverse presentations often lead to diagnostic dilemmas.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old female presented with right submandibular swelling, initially suspected as sialadenitis.
• Ultrasound and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) suggested a basaloid neoplasm.
• Histopathology post-sialoadenectomy revealed ectopic thyroid tissue (nodular colloidal goiter).

Findings:

• Thyroid scintigraphy is more precise for diagnosing ectopic thyroid than USG or CT scans.
• Histopathological examination of excised tissue is the definitive diagnostic method.
• Ectopic thyroid can mimic other conditions, complicating diagnosis.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of ectopic thyroid is crucial due to its varied presentations.
• Symptomatic ectopic thyroid requires surgical management, followed by monitoring and thyroxine replacement.
• Understanding embryological origins aids in recognizing and managing this rare condition.