Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma: Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Although thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma is a relatively easy pathology to treat, it is an uncommon finding that has been little reported in the literature. Objective: To report the history, evolution and management of a patient with a thyroglossal duct cyst who progressed to carcinoma, to review the pathophysiological nature of the disease, and the scarce literature on this topic. Case summary: Woman, 40 years old, diagnosed in 2018 with thyroglossal duct cyst. She seeks a Head and Neck surgeon in 2020 to evaluate the case, to whom she reports an increase in the nodule and local discomfort. Surgery is indicated for its removal. The anatomopathological examination performed after surgery reveals suspicion of malignant transformation. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the suspicion. A follow-up visit was requested in 6 months and ultrasound was requested to control the pathology. Discussion: The thyroglossal duct results in the permanence of the thyroid descent path from the base of the tongue to its final resting place in the anterior region of the neck in the midline. This tract should obliterate at the beginning of fetal life, failure in this involution can later lead to a cyst in this duct. The cyst is often noticed after infection of the upper respiratory tract and in rare situations, a carcinoma can develop from the walls of the cyst. Conclusion: Cases of cyst carcinoma in the thyroglossal duct should be discussed due to the scarcity of reports in the literature and its rare incidence in the clinical field.

DOI: 10.56238/sevenVmulti2024-001