Abstract
We present a unique and medically complex case of improved voice after lingual thyroidectomy. A 10-year-old boy with multifactorial dysphonia presented with bilateral vocal fold lesions and sulci in the context of hypothyroidism as a result of a congenital lingual thyroid gland. Despite hormone replacement, medical treatment for asthma, allergy, cough, and possible reflux, as well as voice therapy, the dysphonia persisted. Significant improvement in both subjective and objective voice measures was achieved after surgical removal of the lingual thyroid gland, which allowed for maintenance of a consistent euthyroid state. Lingual thyroidectomy is typically reserved for cases of bleeding and dysphagia. This case supports dysphonia as a possible additional indication for lingual thyroidectomy.
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