title: Endoscope-assisted intraoral removal of the thyroid isthmus mass using a frenotomy incision.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A thyroid isthmus nodule is a relatively rare condition. A small number of patients will present with thyroid mass isolated at the thyroid isthmus, which can cause discomfort in swallowing and cosmetic problems. Thus, some patients choose to have these nodules excised. The surgical removal of the thyroid isthmus mass is usually accomplished through an external incision of the neck. However, this procedure inevitably results in a neck scar.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of an 18-year-old woman with a thyroid isthmus mass. We implemented a modified approach for the removal of the thyroid isthmus mass by using a frenotomy incision of the mouth, accompanied by an endoscope system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A modified approach for the removal of the thyroid isthmus mass was used on the patient. The total operating time was 70 minutes. The patient continues to be free of any diseases 12 months after the excision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Resection of the thyroid isthmus mass can be performed by an intraoral endoscope-assisted approach through a frenotomy incision of the mouth. We described the detailed procedures for an endoscope-assisted transoral thyroid isthmus mass excision using a frenotomy incision.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea. lesaby@hanmail.net
authors.forename: Seung Hoon
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Woo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002828:Choristoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008035:Lingual Frenum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013961:Thyroid Gland; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed