[Clinical features of thyroglossal duct carcinoma]

To analyze the cinicopathological features, treatments, and prognosis of patients with papillary TDCa.

A retrospective study was conducted of the medical records of our hospital for cases of TDCa. General clinical information including diagnostic criteria and treatments was obtained and analyzed. A literature review was also conducted.

There were 160 cases of thyroglossal duct anomalies hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital in the past 20 years, and TDCa was diagnosed in 3 (1. 88%) cases. All 3 cases underwent local radical resections, and papillary TDCa was diagnosed based on the pathology examination. Selective neck dissection was chosen in one which was confirmed with cervical lymphatic metastasis. All patients were followed up with no recurrences or metastasis.

The incidence of TDCa is very low and the pathology examination is the only way to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery, especially Sistrunk's procedure, is the treatment of choice, with low complications and recurrence. In the presence of cervical lymphadenopathy, selective neck dissection should be considered.