Multinodular goitre in lingual thyroid: case report

Abstract

AbstractObjective:We report a case of a multinodular goitre developing in a lingual thyroid.Method:Case report, and discussion of the embryology and treatment of lingual thyroids.Case report:A 66-year-old woman presented with dysphagia secondary to a multinodular lingual goitre. A previously silent lingual thyroid had undergone multinodular change to cause dysphagia and eventually airway compromise. The goitre was excised via a midline, mandible-splitting approach.Conclusion:Lingual thyroids have an incidence of one in 3000 to 10 000. There has not previously been a reported case of such an ectopic gland undergoing multinodular changes and presenting in later life.