Submental Ectopic Thyroid Cyst: An Atypical Presentation

Abstract

It is very unusual of an ectopic thyroid to be presented as a submental swelling, clinically mimicking a submental cyst. Suspicious of the disease with complete clinical, biochemical and radiological correlation is the mainstay of diagnosis as the first FNAC is not confirmatory of the ectopic thyroid especially in cases of dysgenesis of thyroid tissue in an unusual location. Here we have presented a rare case of an ectopic thyroid gland presented with a submental swelling successfully managed with the conservative treatment.

Keywords: Ectopic thyroid gland; Management; Submental cyst.

Fig. 1

Shows a smooth oval swelling in the submental region

Fig. 2

Contrast-enhanced CT (Parasagittal scan) scan revealed a well-defined, homogeneous, non-enhancing mass in the submental region with the absence of the normal thyroid tissue

Fig. 3

Thyroid scan showed the presence of functional thyroid tissue in the submental area with absence of iodine uptake in the neck

Fig. 4

Clusters of benign follicular epithelial cells showing involutional changes along with numerous foamy & pigment laden macrophages in a background of thin colloid & RBCs (MGG, 400X) suggestive of Ectopic thyroid with colloid cyst without the nuclear features of malignancy