Submandibular Lateral Ectopic Thyroid Tissue: Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography, and Scintigraphic Findings

Abstract

Ectopic thyroid can be encountered anywhere between the base of tongue and pretracheal region. The most common form is euthyroid neck mass. Herein, we aimed to present the findings of a female case with ectopic thyroid tissue localized in the left submandibular region. A 44-year-old female patient, who underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy four years ago with the diagnosis of multinodular goiter, was admitted to our hospital due to a mass localized in the left submandibular area that gradually increased in the last six months. Neck ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and scintigraphic examination were performed on the patient. On thyroid scintigraphy with Tc-99m pertechnetate, thyroid tissue activity uptake showing massive radioactivity was observed in the normal localization of the thyroid gland and in the submandibular localization. The focus in the submandibular region was excised. Pathological examination of the specimen showed normal thyroid follicle cells with no signs of malignancy. The submandibular mass is a rarely encountered lateral ectopic thyroid tissue. Accordingly, ectopic thyroid tissue should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses in the submandibular region.

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma as a Lateral Neck Cyst: A Cystic Metastatic Node versus an Ectopic Thyroid Tissue

“…It is a rare developmental abnormality and the prevalence is approximately 1 per 100,000–300,000 people [ 5 ]. However, lateral ectopic thyroid tissue is a much less common condition [ 6 ].…”

Submandibular ectopic thyroid gland: an uncommon presentation

“…It is typically encountered in the midline cervical region. The presence of normal thyroid tissue laterally in the neck has rarely been described [5,6].…”

Endoscopic Ectopic Thyroidectomy

“…The differential diagnosis should include thyroglossal duct cyst, hyperplastic lymphoid tissue, lymphangioma, fibroma, lipoma, dermoid cyst, squamous cell carcinoma, minor salivary gland tumor, lymphoma, and vascular tumors. 12,13 Ultrasonography (USG), scintigraphy, computerized tomographic scan (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the methods that can be used in the diagnosis. Thyroid scintigraphy is a sensitive and specific method in determining that thyroid gland is not in its normal location.…”