Learn about Lingual Thyroid Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Lingual Thyroid and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Lingual Thyroid

A lingual thyroid is a rare congenital condition where thyroid tissue is located at the base of the tongue instead of in its normal position in the neck. An endocrinologist manages this condition, which involves a comprehensive evaluation including imaging and hormone level tests. Treatment is typically conservative, focusing on monitoring and thyroid hormone replacement if needed. Surgical removal by an otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon) is considered only if the tissue causes significant symptoms like airway obstruction, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding. The endocrinologist's role is crucial in lifelong monitoring of thyroid function before and after any intervention to prevent hypothyroidism.

Key Highlights

    Addresses a rare congenital anomaly causing symptoms at the tongue base.Endocrinologist-led care ensures comprehensive hormonal evaluation and management.Conservative management is often successful, avoiding surgery.Surgical intervention, when necessary, can relieve airway obstruction and swallowing difficulties.Lifelong thyroid function monitoring prevents complications like hypothyroidism.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Presence of symptomatic mass at the base of the tongue causing airway obstruction.
  • Significant difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or speaking.
  • Recurrent bleeding or ulceration from the lingual thyroid tissue.
  • Suspicion of malignancy (very rare) within the ectopic tissue.
  • Failure of conservative management with persistent or worsening symptoms.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive evaluation by an endocrinologist including thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4).
  • Imaging studies such as a thyroid scan (radioactive iodine uptake) and ultrasound to confirm diagnosis and locate any normal thyroid tissue.
  • CT or MRI scan of the neck and tongue base to assess the size and exact location of the mass.
  • Consultation with an otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon) if surgery is planned.
  • Possible fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to rule out cancer.
  • Initiation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy if hypothyroid, often before any procedure.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding, infection, or pain at the surgical site (if surgery is performed).
  • Damage to surrounding structures in the mouth and throat.
  • Permanent hypothyroidism requiring lifelong hormone replacement, especially if no normal thyroid tissue exists.
  • Airway complications or swelling post-procedure.
  • Changes in voice or taste.
  • Recurrence of the tissue or need for further procedures.
  • Risks associated with general anesthesia.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Post-surgery, initial recovery in the hospital focuses on managing pain, ensuring a clear airway, and monitoring swallowing.
  • A soft or liquid diet may be required for several days to weeks.
  • Strict adherence to prescribed thyroid hormone medication is critical.
  • Follow-up with both the endocrinologist and surgeon to monitor healing and thyroid function.
  • Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for the recommended period.
  • Watch for signs of infection, bleeding, or breathing difficulties and report them immediately.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-5 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering lingual thyroid in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lingual thyroid compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 1,632 – USD 4,351 2-5 days ~ 2-4 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 12,079 – USD 32,210 2-5 days ~ 2-4 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

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Endocrinologists for Lingual Thyroid

Explore experienced endocrinologists who regularly perform lingual thyroid and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Subhankar Chowdhury
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Chirag Lu
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sagarika Mukherjee
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mk Mukhopadhyay
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jatin Kumar Majhi
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: Hindi, English

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rashmi K G
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Devesh Ballal
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. G Sandeep Reddy
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhijit Bhograj
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Minal Mohit Vohra
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amal Sinha
  • 51 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Priya Chinnappa
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Hajela
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jishnu Banerjee
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tejaswi V
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Uttio Gupta
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kaushik Biswas
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Girish Parmar
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhasis Neogi
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Krishna Prabha Jayarajan
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Endocrinologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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