In the first trimester of embryonic development, the thyroid gland originates in the back of the tongue and migrates to the front of the neck. When migration fails and the gland remains in the base of the tongue, it is called lingual thyroid or ectopic lingual thyroid. Lingual thyroids are four times more common in females than in males. This is a 23 year old female who presented with tongue mass. CT shows an hyperdense ectopic thyroid in the midline base of tongue.
Case by Teleradiology Providers
