Lingual thyroid gland: clinical evaluation and comprehensive management.

Although lingual thyroid gland is the most common benign mass found at the junction of the anterior two-thirds and the posterior one-third of the tongue, it is still a rare clinical entity. This developmental anomaly is the result of an arrested descent of the gland anlage early in the course of embryogenesis. Patients may have symptoms of dysphagia due to obstruction or even hemorrhage. These symptoms can occur at any time from infancy through adulthood. The clinical findings, laboratory tests, and radiographic imaging studies employed in confirming the diagnosis and in planning appropriate treatment have been evaluated. The primary therapeutic goal is to restore thyroid function. We describe a case of lingual thyroid gland and summarize the current management principles for this condition.