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Ectopic thyroid tissue in the mandible: Case report
Daniela Alejandra García Alonso1, Moisés Salamanca García2, María Edith Salgado Alday2
1Gastroenterology Resident, National Medical Centre 20 de noviembre, Mexico.
Background:
Ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare condition, with an estimated prevalence of 1 case per 300,000 individuals. The lingual region is the most common site of ectopia. To date, only two cases of ectopic thyroid tissue in the mandibular bone have been reported.
Clinical Case:
A 62-year-old woman presented with oedema and pain in the lower left second molar, which had progressively worsened and did not improve despite analgesic treatment. As an initial diagnostic approach, an orthopantomogram was performed, revealing extensive destruction of the left mandible. A biopsy of the affected area was subsequently obtained. Histological examination identified thyroid tissue within the bone trabeculae, consisting of thyroid follicles with colloid content.
Conclusion:
The diagnosis of ectopic thyroid is uncommon and often challenging to establish. It is therefore essential to be aware of the various clinical manifestations and possible locations of ectopia in order to achieve accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
