What is lingual thyroid?
Disease description:
I always feel a foreign-body sensation in my throat, and after undergoing examinations at the hospital, I was diagnosed with lingual thyroid. What exactly is lingual thyroid?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Ping
Lingual thyroid primarily refers to ectopic thyroid tissue located at the base of the tongue, resulting from failure of the thyroid gland to descend to its normal anatomical position during embryonic development. The main symptoms of lingual thyroid include a distinct sensation of a foreign body or fullness in the pharynx. Patients may also experience dysphagia during eating. Once diagnosed, timely intervention and treatment are essential. Currently, medical therapy is the primary treatment modality; administration of thyroid hormone (e.g., levothyroxine) can reduce the size of the lingual thyroid tissue and improve thyroid function.
