Work

Ectopic thyroid tissue in the breast mimicking a breast lesion: A rare case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ectopic thyroid tissue is an uncommon developmental anomaly characterized by the presence of thyroid tissue outside its normal pre-tracheal site. This report describes a rare case of benign ectopic thyroid tissue in the breast of a 47-year-old woman after a history of Graves' disease and benign left thyroidectomy. A core biopsy of the breast excluded malignancy from a breast cancer, thyroid and other metastatic diseases. Functional and anatomical imaging with I-123 SPECT CT and ultrasound of the neck were performed to identify all sites of thyroid tissue including ectopic sites. This case demonstrates the steps needed to understand the diagnosis and management of ectopic thyroid tissue in the breast and the need for a multidisciplinary approach with breast, nuclear medicine and endocrine teams for optimal management.

Source: Radiology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2026.07.107

Authors: Hannah Holmesi, Mina Taghavi, Shaghayegh Rahmani, Penelope Moyle

Institutions: East Surrey Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Anomalies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600