[Papillary carcinoma in a thyroglossal duct cyst; diagnostics and treatment]

This is a case review of a 53-year-old female who presented with an asymptomatic thyroglossal duct cyst. Fine needle aspiration cytology was negative for malignant cells. However, CT findings showed a multilocular cyst of 4,4x2,5x4,5 cm with a solid mass of 1,8 cm and calcifications, suggestive for a thyroid carcinoma inside the thyroglossal duct cyst. A Sistrunk procedure was performed and pathology showed a papillary carcinoma inside the thryoglossal duct cyst. The coexistence of carcinomas in thyroglossal duct cysts is extremely rare, with most being papillary carcinomas. The Sistrunk procedure is often regarded as adequate, but controversies exist concerning the need for thyroidectomy and/or neck dissection. Our patient did not receive a thyroidectomy based on her patient- and tumourcharacteristics.