A rare case of lingual thyroid in a 5-year-old girl

What is it about?

Lingual thyroid is a rare congenital malformation that can lead to symptoms ranging from hypothyroidism to sleep apnea. In our study, we emphasize the significance of early detection, as demonstrated by a case involving a 5-year-old girl with growth failure but no local symptoms. This case study highlights the importance of thorough clinical examination in diagnosing lingual thyroid, a condition caused by the thyroid gland's failure to descend properly. The study found that the girl's hypothyroidism was due to an ectopic thyroid at the base of her tongue, and treatment with thyroid hormone replacement therapy reduced the mass size. Although more work is still needed, this study suggests that routine oral cavity examinations could improve early diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism in children.

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