Evaluation and management of a carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct cyst

Thyroglossal duct remnants are the most common congenital cystic lesions of the neck; however, a carcinoma arising in these structures is rare. Two new cases of a papillary adenocarcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct cyst are presented. Preoperative evaluation, operative management, and postoperative care are discussed. Initial evaluation consisting of a thorough head and neck examination, palpation of the thyroid gland, thyroid function tests, and selective use of thyroid imaging is recommended. Removal of the cyst and tract in the manner described by Sistrunk is advocated. If an adenocarcinoma is found in the cyst and if a carcinoma is found in the thyroid gland or a thyroid scan reveals a nodule, a total thyroidectomy is recommended. A modified neck dissection and total thyroidectomy is advocated for cervical metastases. Postoperatively, thyroid suppression and long-term follow-up are encouraged. A squamous cell carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct remnant appears more aggressive and requires complete excision and, for confirmed cervical metastases, radical neck dissection and postoperative radiation therapy.     

Papillary carcinoma on thyroglossal duct cyst

Papillary carcinoma ansing on a thryroglosal duct cyst is a rare tumor. Since Ucherman described first case in 1915, only 150 cases have been reported. We present clinic evolution and treatment of a new case and review literature and discussion about tumor origin, adequate diagnosis test and treatment. This should include Sistrunk procedure but further surgery on thyroid gland is not accepted by all authors.     

Papillary carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct cyst: case report and discussion of management modalities

A case of papillary carcinoma arising in the wall of a thyroglossal duct cyst is described. These cancers are very rare and rather adult-specific. Preoperative diagnosis may be enhanced using fine-needle aspiration cytology and computing tomography findings. The standard treatment of thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma is the sistrunk procedure. The concept of prognostic risk groups should be used to identify patients who would additionally undergo total thyroidectomy.     

Unusual CT appearance of a thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma

This is the first report to describe the CT appearances of a solid midline cervical mass that proved to be a papillary carcinoma associated with a thyroglossal duct cyst.     

Papillary carcinoma of the thyroglossal duct cyst in childhood

Thyroglossal duct carcinoma is a rare malignancy that is usually diagnosed postoperatively. Approximately 150 cases have been reported in the literature. Eighty-five percent of these were papillary carcinomas. Controversies exist concerning its nature and treatment. In this report, we present an 11-year-old boy with an anterior cervical cystic mass originating in the thyroglossal duct. After a primary Sistrunk procedure, the cyst and tract extending to the foramen caecum at the base of the tongue in continuity with the midportion of the hyoid bone were resected. Histopathologic study demonstrated a papillary carcinoma. After 4 months of follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic without any evidence of recurrence. The clinical and histopathological features and therapeutic options are discussed.     

Atypical thyroglossal duct cyst

Thyroglossal duct cysts most frequently present in childhood as a painless midline swelling of the neck. Uncommonly, these embryonal remnant cysts present clinically in adult life. The majority of adults with thyroglossal duct cysts present with a swelling at the level of the thyrohyoid membrane. On rare occasions, a thyroglossal duct cyst can present with more sinister symptoms, such as hoarseness, dysphagia and dyspnoea. On these occasions, the pre-operative clinical and investigative diagnosis remains in doubt until histology is available.     

Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a Warthin's tumor.

Warthin's tumor is a well-defined salivary gland neoplasm consisting of epithelial and lymphoid components. However, malignant transformation is extremely rare. Such a patient who developed squamous cell carcinoma within a Warthin's tumor of the parotid gland is described and possible pathogenesis is discussed.     

Cholesterol granuloma in a thyroglossal duct cyst. A case report

A case of cholesterol granuloma (CG) in a thyroglossal duct cyst is presented. The main pathogenic theories of this entity are described. It is suggested that chronic or recurrent infection and inflammation may play the major part in the pathogenesis of CG.     

Papillary thyroid carcinoma in a thyroglossal cyst

The incidence of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Thyroglossal Cyst is rare. Only about 160 cases have been reported in the last 85 years. We report a case of Thyroglossal Cyst who underwent Sistrunk ’s Operation. The Cyst was reported to contain a focus of papillary thyroid carcinoma. In the absence of metastases in thyroid gland and neck nodes, only thyroid suppression with Thyroxine was given. After I year of follow-up there are no metastases. The importance of Sistrunk’s operation lies not only in complete removal of Thyroglossal Cyst but also in management of small foci of Papillary thyroid Carcinoma.     

Lymphoma mimicking a thyroglossal duct cyst in an adolescent

Mass lesions of the head and neck in infants and children can be either developmental, inflammatory or neoplastic. Lymphomas (Hodgkin's or Non-Hodgkin's) commonly present as neck lumps in children. Although malignancy is not the commonest aetiology of paediatric cervical lumps, a high index of suspicion is critical to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of cervical lesions. We present the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with a solitary midline cervical lesion, which simulated a thyroglossal cyst on clinical examination. However, histopathological examination revealed it to be a Hodgkin's lymphoma. Related literature is also reviewed.