Thyroglossal duct cyst of the tongue

Abstract

Thyroglossal duct cysts commonly present as midline neck masses with or without infection. The presentation of thyroglossal duct cyst on the tongue is quite uncommon. The present report reviews the embryology of thyroglossal duct cyst development and describes two cases of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst. They presented in an infant of two months of age with feeding problems and also in an older child four years of age with a mass in the base of the tongue. Both patients were managed by marsupialization of the cyst of the tongue. The complications of tongue and mandible splitting or cervical approaches were avoided and satisfactory control was obtained. It is important to distinguish thyroglossal duct cyst of the tongue from other conditions that can affect this region.