Papillary carcinoma of thyroglossal duct cyst

Abstract

Background: Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common congenital abnormality of thyroid development. They represent the most common midline neck masses in childhood, however, can be found in adults. Less than 1% of these cases are malignant. Our patient was a 28-yr-old man and his chief complaint was a progressively enlarged paramedian neck mass for a duration of 6 months.

Results: We describe the imaging and pathologic characteristics of papillary carcinoma of thyroglossal duct cyst in a 28 years old man and subsequent treatment recommendations. The pathologic examination revealed papillary carcinoma of thyroglossal duct cyst followed by a total thyroidectomy. An axial CT scan of the neck showed a left Paramedian cyst,measuring 15 x 18 mm in the submental region. Neck dissection was done followed by 131I ablation.

Conclusions: Base upon our past and current experience,we recommend that thyroglossal duct cyst with a microscopic focus of papillary carcinoma without cyst wall invasion be managed with Sistrunk procedure along with effective suppressant dose of thyroxine.