Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: A Clinicosurgical Experience

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most frequent congenital neck mass, affecting approximately 7% of the population.
• These cysts arise from the incomplete involution of the thyroglossal duct and are commonly diagnosed in pediatric patients.
• The majority of thyroglossal duct cysts are located in the infrahyoid region of the neck.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a 5-year clinical experience with thyroglossal duct cysts.
• To analyze clinical features and surgical findings, focusing on the visible extent of patent thyroglossal ducts.
• To document the naked-eye observation of thyroglossal duct patency, a novel aspect in clinical studies.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study conducted over five years (January 2011 to January 2016).
• Inclusion of thirty patients with histopathologically confirmed thyroglossal cysts.
• Diagnosis based on clinical history, physical examination, and ultrasound (USG) findings; data analysis included cyst size, location, and thyroglossal duct characteristics.

Main Results:

• The study included 30 patients, with a mean age of 10 years; 73.3% were under 15 years old, and 73.3% were male.
• Neck swelling was the primary presentation in 90% of patients, with 83.3% of cysts located in the subhyoid region.
• Thyroglossal ducts showed variable patency: 80% extended to the superior border of the hyoid bone, 10% to the vallecular mucosa, and 3.3% were completely patent to the base of the tongue. Absent tracts were noted in 6.7%.

Conclusions:

• Thyroglossal duct cysts predominantly affect pediatric males and typically present as midline neck swellings.
• Subhyoid location and sizes ranging from 1.5-3 cm are characteristic.
• While complete duct patency is rare, partial patency to the hyoid bone is common; no malignant features were observed.