Lingual Thyroid- A Review

Abstract

Lingual thyroid as the name suggests it is an ectopic positioning of thyroid gland which is a rare developmental
anomaly. Thyroid gland is usually located in the same level as that of cricoids cartilage in human body.
Ectopic occurrence of thyroid gland can be seen anywhere from tongue to diaphragm though in ninety
percent of reported cases it is generally seen in base of tongue. Lingual thyroid mainly seen as a result of
the inability of thyroid gland to descend to its normal anatomical position during embryogenesis. Generally
it takes its origin from the epithelial tissues of non-obliterated thyroglossal duct. From infancy to adulthood
mostly faced problems by the patients are dysphagia, dysphonia, upper respiratory tract obstruction. So
this review is entirely about the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation and diagnostic criteria along with
treatment modalities for a better understanding of the dental professionals.