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.