Ectopic thyroid tissue

Ectopic thyroid tissue refers to the presence of thyroid tissue outside its normal pretracheal location.

This occurs due to an abnormal migration of the thyroid gland during its development in the embryonic stage.

The most common site for ectopic thyroid is the base of the tongue, known as a lingual thyroid, but it can also occur in other areas such as the neck or even the chest.

Patients with ectopic thyroid tissue may present with symptoms related to its location, such as dysphagia, dysphonia, or a mass in the neck if the tissue is large enough.

In some cases, ectopic thyroid tissue might be the only functioning thyroid tissue, which can lead to hypothyroidism if it is not sufficient to meet the body's hormonal demands.

Diagnosis of ectopic thyroid tissue often involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI.

A "Head & Torso" scan can effectively identify ectopic thyroid tissue in the neck and chest areas.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment options depend on the symptoms and the presence of normal thyroid tissue elsewhere.

If the ectopic thyroid tissue is functioning adequately and not causing symptoms, monitoring might be sufficient.

However, if the tissue is causing symptoms or is not functioning well, surgical removal or thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be necessary.

Understanding the location and functionality of ectopic thyroid tissue is crucial for managing this condition effectively.