ECTOPIC THYROID
Ectopic
thyroid is the term describing the presence of functional thyroid parenchyma
found anywhere other than the typical anatomic location of the thyroid gland. Ectopic
thyroid is usually found along the path of the normal descent of the thyroid
gland, but may be found in the mediastinum, heart, esophagus, diaphragm etc. Lingual
thyroid is the most common site of ectopic thyroid. The second most common site
for ectopic thyroid is the wall of the thyroglossal duct cyst. Since ectopic
thyroid parenchyma is a congenital abnormality resulting from abnormal
migration of the medial anlage, it does not contain C cells. The true incidence
of ectopic thyroid remains unknown because of the asymptomatic nature of thyroid
ectopia in many cases. It is estimated, however, that failure of thyroid gland
descent is observed in approximately 1 in 200.000 normal subjects and 1 in 6000
patients with thyroid disease.
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