Differential Diagnosis for Missing Left Thyroid Lobe
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Thyroidectomy or partial thyroidectomy: This is the most likely diagnosis as it is a common surgical procedure that involves the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, which could result in a missing lobe.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Congenital thyroid anomaly: Some individuals may be born with thyroid anomalies, including the absence of one lobe.
- Thyroid developmental abnormality: Abnormal development of the thyroid gland during embryogenesis could lead to the absence of a lobe.
- Previous thyroid surgery or trauma: Previous surgical procedures or trauma to the thyroid area could result in the removal or destruction of a thyroid lobe.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Thyroid cancer with metastasis: Although less likely, it is crucial not to miss thyroid cancer, which could lead to the removal of a lobe during surgery, and metastasis could be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma: This rare type of thyroid cancer could lead to the removal of a thyroid lobe and has a genetic component, making family screening important.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Ectopic thyroid tissue: Rarely, thyroid tissue may develop in abnormal locations, potentially leading to the appearance of a missing lobe.
- Thyroid agenesis: A rare congenital condition where the thyroid gland fails to develop, which could be mistaken for a missing lobe.
- DiGeorge syndrome: A genetic disorder that can affect the development of the thyroid gland, among other structures, potentially leading to thyroid anomalies.