Clinical Characteristics and Management of Lingual Thyroid: A Review of Reported Adult Cases

Abstract

Lingual thyroid is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from incomplete descent of thyroid tissue during embryological development. Adult presentation remains uncommon and frequently presents diagnostic challenges. This narrative review summarizes published adult cases of lingual thyroid, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies. Dysphagia, foreign-body sensation, dysphonia, and upper airway obstruction were the most frequently reported symptoms, although many cases were discovered incidentally. Diagnosis generally relied on clinical examination combined with imaging techniques and thyroid scintigraphy. Treatment varied according to symptom severity and thyroid function, ranging from observation and hormone replacement therapy to surgical excision or radioiodine treatment. Awareness of this rare condition is essential to avoid unnecessary procedures and to preserve functioning thyroid tissue whenever possible.