[Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma: The rational behind performing a total thyroidectomy]

Thyroglossal duct cysts are a common developmental abnormality but carcinoma within is rare. A 68 year old male patient was diagnosed with a thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) which on imaging studies demonstrated suspicious features within the cyst alone. Fine needle aspiration cytology was suspicious of papillary thyroid cancer. A Sistrunk's procedure (SP) was performed and demonstrated papillary carcinoma within. A decision to perform a total thyroidectomy (TT) and central compartment neck dissection was made. Final histological analysis showed no disease within the thyroid gland or in the neck nodes. The presence of cancer suspected within the TGDC by relevant diagnostic modalities may necessitate treatment to the thyroid gland and neck in addition to a Sistrunk's procedure as part of a definitive treatment policy due to the high incidence of associated thyroid malignancy. In our institution, in patients presenting with thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma and are at high risk for having thyroid cancer, we perform both SP as well as TT and central compartment neck dissection.