title: Transposition of a lingual thyroid to the submandibular space using a modified technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We report a modified surgical technique for transplanting an ectopic, lingual thyroid to the submandibular space, in order to maintain thyroid function while relieving obstructive symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 52-year-old woman complained of progressive dysphagia and dyspnoea. Ectopic lingual thyroid tissue was diagnosed. The ectopic thyroid gland was transplanted into the submandibular region via a lateral pharyngeal approach. A random muscle pedicle was prepared to provide a vascular supply to the transposed gland.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve-month follow up confirmed the survival of the transplanted thyroid gland, with preserved thyroid function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical transplantation of a lingual thyroid to the submandibular region offers an alternative treatment method for this anomaly, which avoids the need for resection and lifelong thyroxine replacement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Tingwei
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bao
authors.forename: Huiming
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Dong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Di
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D046151:Lingual Thyroid / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000502:physiology / Q000637:transplantation*