Primary papillary carcinoma in thyroglossal cysts. Case reports and literature review

Abstract

The thyroglossal cyst can exceptionally appear as a primary cyst carcinoma. We discuss a series of 6 adult patients, assessed for long-lasting asymptomatic suprahyoid or lateral-to-larynx mass. The images showed a heterogeneous mass invading adjacent soft tissues. Fine needle aspiration biopsy did not contribute to diagnosis. We performed a Sistrunk procedure in all cases, 3 combined with total thyroidectomy and 1 with neck dissection. The postoperative course was favourable. No additional treatment was required, without evidence of recurrence in follow-up. The management is controversial due to the limited number of cases reported. Some classifications based on size and extent have been proposed to define the surgical treatment of such cysts.

Keywords: Carcinoma del quiste; Cyst carcinoma; Quiste tirogloso; Sistrunk; Thyroglossal cyst; Thyroidectomy; Tiroidectomía.