Int J Thyroidol.  2022 Nov;15(2):144-147. 10.11106/ijt.2022.15.2.144.

A Case of Ectopic Thyroid at the Suprasternal Notch with Cervical Compressive Discomfort

• Park SW
• Lee C
• Won S
• Park JJ

• KMID: 2536503
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11106/ijt.2022.15.2.144

Abstract

Ectopic thyroid is an anomaly that arises during embryogenesis of the thyroid gland. It is rare and can cause symptoms such as throat discomfort, dysphagia, and dyspnea depending on its size and location. This case is important because ectopic thyroid presenting as a suprasternal notch mass with a suspicion of thyroid malignancy is rare, and highlights the management decision and its consequence.

Keyword

Ectopic thyroid; Thyroid dysgenesis; Suprasternal notch mass

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Representative sonographic image of the neck. A heterogeneous echoic mass measuring 2.24×1.23 cm with an irregular surface.

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  Fig. 2 Representative neck computed tomography images. A well-circumscribed irregular mass measuring 2.6 cm at the suprasternal notch (yellow arrow) and a thyroid nodule with low attenuation (black arrow-head) (A: axial, B: coronal).

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  Fig. 3 Operative findings. (A) A round well-circumscribed mass at the suprasternal notch without any connection to the thyroid gland. (B) A firm mass measuring 2.6×2 cm was removed.

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  Fig. 4 Representative pathologic section. A section of the suprasternal mass showing follicles of various sizes surrounded by flattened epithelium and containing colloid (Hematoxylin & Eosin staining, original magnification ×200).

Reference

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