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[Ectopic lingual thyroid. Apropos of 3 cases]
N Maurice1, M Makeieff, J Delol
1Service d'Oto-laryngologie et de Chirurgie cervico-faciale, CHU Montpellier.
Summary
Lingual thyroid, a rare condition causing airway obstruction and dysphagia, presents varied symptoms. Treatment depends on clinical signs, with surgery for obstruction or suspected malignancy, and hormone therapy for stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lingual thyroid is a rare congenital anomaly where thyroid tissue is located on the tongue.
- It can lead to significant upper airway obstruction, dysphagia, and hypothyroidism.
- Ectopic thyroid tissue prevalence and clinical manifestations require further investigation.
Observation:
- This report details three cases of lingual thyroid in women.
- One case involved a pregnant woman with lingual goiter, hemorrhages, and hypothyroidism.
- The other two cases presented with dysphagia and were incidentally discovered during physical examination.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of lingual thyroid can be challenging due to its rarity and varied presentation.
- Clinical symptoms range from severe airway compromise to asymptomatic findings.
- Management strategies are tailored to individual patient presentation and risk factors.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management of lingual thyroid are crucial for preventing severe complications.
- Surgical intervention is indicated for symptomatic obstruction or suspected malignancy.
- Hormone replacement therapy can stabilize or regress ectopic thyroid tissue in asymptomatic cases.