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Benign intratracheal thyroid: a possible cause for preoperative overstaging
1Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA. M_Brandwein@smtplink.mssm.edu
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|November 20, 1998
Summary
A rare case of intratracheal thyroid ectopia mimicked aggressive thyroid cancer. Histology confirmed benign thyroid tissue within the trachea, highlighting the need for awareness to prevent misdiagnosis of malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
Background:
- Intratracheal thyroid ectopia is a rare condition where thyroid tissue is found within the trachea.
- It can present with symptoms like gagging or choking, potentially mimicking aggressive tumors.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old opera singer presented with a choking sensation.
- Imaging revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma and a separate tracheal mass, initially suspected as direct tumor invasion.
- Surgical excision and histological examination were performed.
Findings:
- The intratracheal mass was composed of benign thyroid tissue, not malignant invasion.
- Benign thyrocytes were observed within the first tracheal membrane.
- This case adds to the 23 reported instances of symptomatic intratracheal thyroid ectopia.
Implications:
- Clinicians and pathologists must differentiate intratracheal thyroid ectopia from malignant thyroid invasion.
- Awareness of this rare entity is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management.
- This condition exhibits a female predisposition and commonly occurs near the cricoid cartilage.