[Ectopic lingual thyroid. Apropos of 3 cases]

Lingual thyroid is a rare cause of upper airway obstruction, dysphagia or hypothyroidism symptoms. This report describes three cases of lingual thyroid arising in women. One was in pregnancy and developed a lingual goiter and hemorrhages with hypothyroidy. The second case have been diagnosed because of a dysphagia and the third was asymptomatic and have been diagnosed during physical examination for cervical nodes. Diagnosis and possible therapeutic options are discussed regarding these three cases. Surgical therapy is appropriate for patients with clinical signs of upper airway obstruction or when malignant degeneration is suspected. Without of clinical sign, substitutive therapy with thyroid hormone allows the stabilization or the regression of the ectopic thyroid.