A case report of ectopic thyroid adenoma resection by transaxillary non-inflatable endoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The ectopic thyroid gland is a rare disease in which abnormal migration of the embryonic thyroid germ is thought to be the basis for the formation of the ectopic thyroid gland.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 37 year old female sought medical attention due to feeling a sensation of swallowing foreign objects, without any other positive symptoms such as pain or difficulty breathing. Preoperative examination revealed a nodule in the left lobe of the thyroid gland and a nodule behind the left lobe. The patient ultimately underwent non-inflatable endoscopic surgery under the axilla to completely remove the tumor located in the suprasternal fossa. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed ectopic thyroid adenoma. The patient's postoperative thyroid function was normal.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of ectopic thyroid is difficult due to its highly non-specific histological characteristics and positional changes. However, clinical diagnosis and treatment should not overlook the possibility of ectopic thyroid. On the basis of completely removing the lesion, the transaxillary non-inflatable endoscopic surgery also meets the patient's minimally invasive and aesthetic needs.

CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of ectopic thyroid is difficult, and through transaxillary non-inflatable endoscopic surgery, the tumor can be completely removed and the patient's aesthetic needs can be met.