Management of a large lingual thyroid in the orthognathic surgery patient

The embryogenesis, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and clinical management of the lingual thyroid entity are discussed. A patient with a large lingual thyroid, who also required a mandibular set-back osteotomy, is presented. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations and management of this patient as they relate to the lingual mass and its possible effects on the airway are discussed.