Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland--a review

A review of the literature reveals that tuberculosis of the thyroid gland is a very rare condition. Only one case was notified in Singapore over the last ten years. It can occur either as part of a miliary spread or as a primary lesion in the thyroid. It is difficult to diagnose clinically and the thyroid enlargement is often mistaken for carcinoma, suppurative abscess or a haemorrhage into a thyroid cyst. Signs and symptoms are variable, and are mostly related to enlargement of the gland. Thyroid dysfunction is rare. Diagnosis is made by histological examination and demonstration of the tubercle bacilli from biopsy or aspiration specimen.