Ectopic thyroid imitating a thyroglossal cyst: A case report

A twelve-year-old male child presented with a midline neck mass for three years that moved with deglutition and tongue protrusion. A clinical diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cyst was made and patient was further evaluated for surgery. Ultrasonography of neck showed an ectopic thyroid tissue with features of chronic thyroiditis superficial to thyroid cartilage and thyroid bed appeared empty. Cytopathology reported Bethesda category 2 features of chronic thyroiditis. Thyroid profile of the patient revealed sub clinical hypothyroidism. On further evaluation withTc-99m pertechnetate scan, it was revealed that this midline neck swelling was in fact the only functioning thyroid tissue, hence no surgery was performed. This case highlighted the importance of ultrasonography along with thyroid scan in the preoperative evaluation of a midline neck swelling.