Ectopic Thyroid Nodule Hyperplasia: A Case Report

BACKGROUND We present a rare case of an ectopic thyroid nodule hyperplasia, confirmed postoperatively after excision and histopathological examination of a chronic cervical mass. We discuss the different clinical and therapeutic features of this rare thyroid dysgenesis caused by a defect of migration of the gland along its normal way of descent. CASE REPORT A 48-year-old man with a history of hypertension and asthma presented with dysphagia and a progressively growing firm mass at the anterior part of his neck over the past 6 months. Ultrasound and computed tomography suggested that the mass was attached only to the anterior part of the larynx, without connection to the thyroid, and with a multinodular gland in normal position. A complete surgical excision was performed under general anaesthesia through an external cervical approach. The mass, measuring 60×40 mm, was sent for a histological assessment, which concluded a fully encapsulated ectopic thyroid mass attached only to the soft tissues of the anterior part of the larynx, not showing any sign of malignancy transformation. The outcome of the surgery was marked by a quick recovery, with an improvement of the initial symptoms, proper healing of the surgical scar, and durable normal thyroid functioning after a regular follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Nonspecific symptoms can reveal ectopic thyroid tissue growth. Appropriate neck imaging combined, when available, with fine needle aspiration help to determine the extent of the mass and predict its nature. Surgical excision and histological analysis are required to confirm the diagnosis and to exclude any thyroid neoplasm.