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Intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cyst simulating a thyroid nodule
T Hatada1, S Ichii, K Sagayama
1The Second Department of Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Japan.
Insights
Intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cysts can mimic thyroid nodules. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) identifying benign squamous cells aids in diagnosis, differentiating these cysts from thyroid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) are congenital anomalies typically found in the midline of the neck.
- Intrathyroidal location of TDCs is rare, often presenting diagnostic challenges.
- Distinguishing intrathyroid TDCs from thyroid nodules is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old woman presented with a right lateral neck mass clinically resembling a thyroid nodule.
- Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) revealed benign squamous cells.
- Surgical resection (right thyroid lobectomy) confirmed a cyst lined by squamous epithelium within the thyroid gland.
Findings:
- Microscopic examination confirmed the intrathyroidal lesion as a thyroglossal duct cyst.
- The cyst was completely encapsulated by normal thyroid parenchyma.
- Benign squamous cells on US-FNAB were indicative of a thyroglossal duct cyst.
Implications:
- Intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
- US-FNAB findings of benign squamous cells can help exclude cystic thyroid neoplasms.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare presentations of common congenital anomalies.
Abstract:
A case of intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cyst is reported. A 50-year-old woman presented with a right lateral neck mass that was clinically indistinguishable from a thyroid nodule. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) revealed normal-looking squamous cells. Right thyroid lobectomy was performed and microscopic examination revealed a cyst lined by squamous epithelium that was consistent with a thyroglossal duct cyst. The lesion was completely surrounded by normal thyroid tissue. Our experience suggests that intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cyst should be remembered in the differential diagnosis of a thyroid nodule. Detection of benign squamous cells by US-FNAB may be useful for ruling out the possibility of a cystic thyroid tumor.