[Lingual thyroid: a rare disease resembling base of tongue neoplasm]

Abstract

The ectopic thyroid gland occurring in the midline of the base of tongue is a rare developmental anomaly. It may cause differential diagnostic problems with real malignant tumor. Symptoms, if where are any: foreign-body-feeling, swallowing difficulties, dyspnea, articulation disorders, bleeding and hypothyroidism, but in many cases the diagnosis is accidental. We describe two cases of lingual thyroid gland operated in our department, and discuss the present trends of the treatment of this disease. We agree with most of the authors that only cases presenting with symptoms should be operated, and if possible the normal thyroid tissue should be replaced into the body. However, all discovered cases have to be followed to avoid late hormonal disturbances.