Morphological Variations of the Thyroid Gland among the People of Upper Assam Region of Northeast India: A Cadaveric Study.

Introduction: The morphological variations of the thyroid gland have been reported from different parts of the world. The variations are due to remnant or non-specific development of the parts of the thyroid gland. Surgical operation of the thyroid gland has been the treatment of choice in various thyroid pathologies. Prior knowledge of the morphological variation is important to ensure better results from these surgical operations. Aim: To study the prevalence of morphological variations seen in the thyroid glands in the upper Assam region of Northeast India. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based cadaveric study. Total numbers of Thyroid glands dissected were 80. The thyroid gland was examined properly for the presence of pyramidal lobe, levator glandulae thyroideae and complete absence of isthmus. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 21.0. Results: It was found that 17 (21.25%) cadavers did not show an isthmus. The pyramidal lobe was present in 31(38.75%) cases and frequently arising from the left side (74.2%) of the isthmus. Levator glandulae thyroideae was found in 15 (18.75%) of the thyroid specimens. In all cases, it was extended from the apex of the pyramidal lobe to the hyoid bone. Conclusion: Morphological variation of the thyroid gland is very common hence requires detection prior to any surgery on the thyroid gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]