Thyroglossal duct papillary carcinoma in a 15-year old female and review of pediatric cases of thyroglossal duct carcinoma

Abstract

Thyroglossal duct carcinoma is rare, occurring in approximately 1% of thyroglossal duct cysts. Excluding this case report there have been 25 cases of adolescent thyroglossal duct carcinoma reported in the English literature thus far. Most of the pathology reported has been papillary or follicular carcinoma, leading to the question of whether or not to perform concurrent thyroidectomy. Based on our review of the pediatric cases of thyroglossal duct carcinoma we elected not to perform a concurrent thyroidectomy and recommend close follow-up to monitor for signs of future thyroid involvement.

Keywords: Papillary; Thyroglossal duct carcinoma; Thyroidectomy.