Uncommon Presentation of Ectopic Thyroid in Adulthood: About 2 Cases
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12970/2310-9971.2020.08.02Keywords:
Thyroid, ectopia, adulthood, asymptomatic, vesicular carcinoma.Abstract
Introduction: Ectopic Thyroid (ET) is a rare condition resulting from the abnormal thyroid development or migration. We report through this article two cases of ectopic thyroid . Observation 1: A 44-year-old woman presented with chronic tearing of the right eye, underwent an orbital CT scan showing a lesion located at the base of the tongue. Physical exam showed that the thyroid gland was not palpable and normal oropharyngeal space. The tongue MRI showed a heterogeneous mass of the base of the tongue, measuring 43x37 mm. Thyroid Scintigraphy showed an elective uptake of radiotracer at sublingual area and no uptake in the normal thyroid location. Hormonal exploration was normal. Medical supervision was proposed to our patient. Observation 2: A 40-year-old woman presented with a history of dysphonia. On clinical examination, thyroid gland was not palpable in cervical area. Nasofibroscopy revealed a mass of the tongue base compressing the vocal cords. During nasofibroscopy, she presents an acute difficulty of breathing, a tracheotomy was done urgently. Surgical excision of the mass was realised. Histopathological findings revealed the presence of a normal thyroid gland within the fibromuscular tissue, with focal vesicular thyroid carcinoma. Discussion: Ectopic thyroid may be asymptomatic or revealed by hypothyroidism or signs of compression. The risk of malignancy remains rare. In asymptomatic forms, biological and morphological monitoring is suggested. Surgery is necessary in case of compression or suspicion of malignancy.References
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