Ectopic goiter masquerading as submandibular gland swelling: a case report and review of the literature.

Ectopic thyroid glands generally occur in the midline as a result of abnormal median migration, and their presence lateral to the midline is rare. A 12-year-old boy had a swelling in the left submandibular region that imaging techniques showed to be an ectopic thyroid gland, although no thyroid tissue was seen in the normal location. Only eight cases of lateral aberrant thyroid tissue have been reported. The importance of being aware of the possibility of ectopic thyroid tissue as a submandibular region swelling has an important bearing on disease management. A pertinent review of the literature and its management is included.