Three cases of papillary carcinoma and three of adenoma in thyroglossal duct cysts: clinical-diagnostic comparison with benign thyroglossal duct cysts

Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinomas - a retrospective study and systematic review of the literature

The aim of this study was to analyze thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma (TDCC) in a single-center retrospective analysis, supplemented by a systematic literature review to inform treatment approaches. Patient records from a tertiary referral center were analyzed for individuals diagnosed with TDCC between 2002 and 2023. A systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines, encompassing studies from Medline and PubMed. Patient data, including demographics, imaging results, and histological findings were extracted. The primary outcome assessed was tumor-free and recurrence-free survival, while additional variables included treatment regimens and follow-up data. The analysis identified a total of 484 TDCC cases, confirming papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) as the predominant type (94.2%), with synchronous thyroid gland carcinomas observed in 34.6%. The age range was 8 to 76 with median age of 40 years. Women were affected in 62%, men in 36%. The recurrence rate was 7.4%, with distant metastases observed in 1% of cases. The overall survival rate was 99.1%, regardless of the treatment regimen. Although rare, TDCC predominantly presents as PTC, with a favorable prognosis. Sistrunk's procedure remains the primary surgical approach, but optimal management regarding therapies such as total thyroidectomy, neck dissection, or radioiodine ablation requires careful evaluation of risk factors like rare tumor types, suspicious lymph nodes, thyroid nodules, age, radiation exposure, and molecular patterns. Emphasizing more individualized treatment strategies, we propose an algorithm that can help to reduce invasiveness and overtreatment risks in selected cases.

A Rare Case Report of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Carcinoma Coexisting with Thyroid Carcinoma in an Adolescent

Background

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDC) represent approximately 70% of all congenital neck masses, and up to 1% of them contain thyroid tissue malignancies. Clinical presentation of TDC carcinomas is usually indistinguishable from benign tumors preoperatively, and differential diagnosis can be challenging. We present a rare case of TDC carcinoma concurrent with thyroid cancer in an adolescent. Case Presentation. A 16-year-old Caucasian female, otherwise healthy, was referred with a painless, gradually expanding lump on the neck. Physical examination revealed a well-circumscribed, moderately hard, tender mass of the anterior neck midline anteroinferior to the hyoid bone. Imaging findings suggested TDC as the most likely diagnosis. The patient had a Sistrunk procedure under general anesthesia. Histopathological findings diagnosed a BRAFV600E-positive papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in a TDC. A thyroid gland and neck ultrasound revealed a highly suspicious finding for malignancy right level VI lymph node, which was not confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Under general anesthesia, total thyroidectomy and central compartment lymph node neck dissection were performed. Histopathological findings revealed a thyroid parenchymal locus of PTC, as well as three lymph nodes infiltrated by PTC. The patient received adjuvant radioactive iodine ablation (RAI) therapy and is closely followed.

Conclusion

TDC carcinomas in conjunction with thyroid carcinomas in young patients are rare. Preoperative diagnosis can be challenging, as the vast majority of neck masses in young patients are benign in nature, and most malignant tumors lack specific clinical features. The diagnostic accuracy of FNAC is considered unsatisfactory due to its frequently cystic nature. Definitive diagnosis is based on histopathological findings. Clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for coexisting thyroid malignancies. Although surgical extirpation of the malignancy is considered standard of care, the treatment of TDC cancer should always be individualized by a multidisciplinary team.

Evidence and controversies in management of thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to analyse the rational of the possible therapeutic approaches to thyroglossal duct cyst carcinomas (TGDCCa), especially in consideration of their potential airway involvement, discussing the most debated issues concerning employment of thyroidectomy, neck dissection and adjuvant treatments.

RECENT FINDINGS

The literature is unanimous in defining the Sistrunk procedure as the baseline of surgical treatment of TGDCCa, and in equating the vast majority of thyroid-like TGDCCas to classic thyroid cancers from a biological point of view, while the rarer squamous cell carcinomas seem to behave more aggressively. Thyroidectomy, neck dissection and radioactive iodine treatment are considered for high-risk lesions, with the addition of customized partial resection of laryngeal cartilages when airway involvement is encountered. Furthermore, the analysis of thyroid mutational markers has promise for accurate prevision of more aggressive clinical behaviours.

SUMMARY

Even if rare, clinicians should be aware of TGDCCa due to the possibility of incidental diagnosis and, in the case of more advanced clinical scenarios, for its potential airway involvement. Sistrunk procedure combined with thyroidectomy, neck dissection and adjuvant therapy provide excellent results in high-risk patients. Additional study of pathological thyroid markers in TGDCCa is desirable to allow more individualized treatments.

Thyroglossal Duct Carcinoma Originating in the Hyoid Bone

Thyroglossal duct (TGD) carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor arising from remnants of thyroid tissue or the wall of the duct and generally occurs along the anatomic course of the TGD. TGD carcinoma originating in the hyoid bone is extremely rare but can occur since the TGD penetrates the hyoid bone on rare occasions. This report describes the case of a 30-year-old man with TGD carcinoma originating in the hyoid bone. Computed tomography demonstrated a mass in the hyoid bone that expanded the cortical bone of the hyoid. The mass had a central solid component with calcification and a marginal cystic component. When we encounter a calcified mass in the hyoid bone, we should consider TGD carcinoma among the differential diagnoses.

Primary Papillary Thyroid Cancer of a Thyroglossal Duct Cyst

Papillary thyroid carcinoma in a thyroglossal duct cyst is very rare. We present the case of a teenage boy with a large thyroglossal duct cyst containing papillary thyroid carcinoma. There was no evidence of carcinoma within the thyroid gland, making this an important case of primary thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma.

Long-Term Ultrasound Follow-Up of Incidentally Detected Thyroglossal Duct Cysts in Adults

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There has been no previous study that used ultrasonography for longitudinal changes of thyroglossal duct cysts, to our knowledge. We assessed the prevalence and interval changes in incidentally detected thyroglossal duct cysts in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2016, we identified 796 ultrasonography radiologic reports from 513 subjects that contained the words "thyroglossal" or "TGDC" among 54,369 participants. Of 513 subjects, 172 (M/F = 103:69, mean age, 53 ± 11 years) who underwent ≥2 sonography studies were enrolled. Two reviewers determined ultrasonography features, including maximal diameter, location, internal echogenicity, wall thickness, and the presence of posterior enhancement, internal septa, and solid components.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time of total 172 lesions was 2.01 ± 1.13 years. Thyroglossal duct cysts ranged from 2 to 32 mm (mean, 8.77 ± 3.83 mm) on the initial ultrasonography examination. On follow-up ultrasonography studies, 14 lesions (8.2%) increased by >2 mm, while most thyroglossal duct cysts (133 lesions, 77.3%) remained stable in size. During the follow-up period, 31 lesions (18.0%) showed interval changes in ultrasonography features. There was no significant relationship between the presence of ultrasonography feature changes and size changes (P = .12).

CONCLUSIONS

On ultrasonography, 0.9% of adults had incidental thyroglossal duct cysts. Most did not increase in size with time despite changes in various ultrasonography features. Therefore, we recommend performing an observation at long intervals of 2-3 years for asymptomatic thyroglossal duct cysts, and we suggest that fine-needle aspiration can be suspended unless suspicious findings of malignancy are detected.

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of Clinical Features and Outcomes

Objective

Although thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are relatively common, malignancies within these lesions are infrequent. As a result, there are no large-scale series describing clinical characteristics. Our objectives were to perform a systematic review of the literature evaluating patient demographics, pathology, management, and prognosis of these patients.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane reviews, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed for data detailing epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes.

Review Methods

Inclusion criteria included English-language articles with original reports on human subjects. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles for the data collected, including epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes.

Results

Ninety-eight articles comprising 164 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age at presentation was 39.5 years (9-83 years); 68.3% of patients were female. In total, 73.3% of cases were found on final pathologic analysis. The most common pathology was papillary cancer (92.1%). Of the patients, 98.9% underwent a Sistrunk procedure and 61.0% underwent total thyroidectomy. There was a 4.3% recurrence rate with a mean time to recurrence of 42.1 months from initial treatment. One patient died of TGDC carcinoma, while all other patients were disease free at the time of last follow-up (mean follow-up was 46.1 months).

Conclusion

TGDC carcinoma is typically diagnosed on final pathology. While management encompasses a Sistrunk procedure, further consideration should be given to thyroidectomy among patients ≥45 years of age and individuals with aggressive disease. TGDC carcinoma harbors an exceedingly low rate of mortality.

Ultrasonographic findings of thyroglossal duct papillary carcinoma: A case report

•

Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma can be classified as primary, secondary and multicentric.

•

Preoperative ultrasound with possible fine needle aspiration biopsy are useful for determining the extent of the operation.

•

The treatment is Sistrunk’s operation with the addition of total thyroidectomy and neck dissection when indicated.

Introduction

Reports on thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma (TGDCCa) are rare, occurring in approximately 1% of thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) cases. The origin and treatment of carcinoma arising in TGDC are controversy.

Presentation of case

A 38-year-old woman presented with a midline neck mass at the thyrohyoid level for 3 years. Ultrasound revealed a 2.4 cm cystic mass with a solid mural component and microcalcification. A small right thyroid nodule was also detected. Sistrunk’s operation was performed and the pathology was a primary carcinoma arising in the TGDC with a close surgical margin. Total thyroidectomy was done and revealed a 4 mm papillary carcinoma with partial invasion through the thyroid capsule of the right lobe with a 1 mm papillary carcinoma at the isthmus. The diagnosis was a primary TGDCCa with multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Discussion

Sistrunk’s operation is an accepted procedure for the treatment of both TGDC and TGDCCa. Additional total thyroidectomy has been proposed but still controversial. The aims of preoperative ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) are differential diagnosis of the possible diseases and operative planning. The results which suggest a carcinoma arising in the TGDC, synchronous thyroid malignancy and metastatic cervical lymph nodes are helpful in determining the magnitude of the operation.

Conclusion

Ultrasound and FNAB of the TGDC, thyroid gland and cervical lymph nodes are the useful preoperative evaluations leading to the accurate diagnosis. The definitive treatment is Sistrunk’s operation with the possible addition of total thyroidectomy and neck dissection when indicated.

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Carcinomas: A Clinicopathologic Series of 22 Cases with Staging Recommendations

Carcinomas arising from thyroglossal duct remnant cysts (TGDCs) are rare, without well-defined management and staging criteria. All TGDCs (n = 685) diagnosed between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed, with 22 carcinomas identified (3.2 % incidence). Twenty-two patients (17 females, 5 males), aged 12-64 years (mean 39.9 years; median 39 years) were identified. An anterior, superior midline neck mass was the presenting symptom in all patients. A cancer diagnosis [all papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)] was made after the Sistrunk procedure (SP), with a Bethesda Category V or VI classification preoperatively by fine needle aspiration in 5 of 12 cases tested. A SP was performed in all patients, with total thyroidectomy concurrently (n = 4) or subsequently (n = 12). A selected neck dissection was performed in 5 patients, with metastases found in 3. Of the patients who had a thyroidectomy, synchronous PTC was identified in 6 (thus, 6 of 22 patients had synchronous thyroid gland primaries). This supports an origin from extra-thyroidal remnants (cyst origin) rather than metastatic tumor from a thyroid gland primary. Follow-up radioactive iodine therapy was performed in 13 patients. Metastatic disease to local lymph nodes 57 months after presentation was seen in 1 patient, with all others alive and disease free (mean 3.8 years; range 0.4-10.8 years). The TGDCs ranged from 0.8 to 5 cm (mean 2.3 cm), while the PTCs ranged from 0.1 to 3.8 cm (mean 1.4 cm). All of the tumors were classical PTC, showing a sclerotic and infiltrative pattern, with a capsule present in 11. Lymphovascular invasion was detected in 11; margins were positive in 6. Using currently defined criteria, the patients were separated into AJCC stage group I (n = 21) or II (n = 1). However, if extension into the adipose tissue (n = 11), skeletal muscle (n = 10), or perineural/perivascular tissues (n = 10) were used to stage the patients, interpreted to represent the equivalent of "extrathyroidal extension" (n = 13) as defined for thyroid gland primaries, there would be 15 group I and 7 group III cases. All seven group III patients were ≥45 years. Three of four patients with lymph node metastasis also showed soft tissue extension. In conclusion, TGDC carcinomas (TGDCCa) are uncommon, with all classical PTC. For "microcarcinomas" (≤1 cm), conservative management can be used for patients <45 years (i.e., Sistrunk procedure only); for >1 cm tumors, and due to the high incidence of concurrent papillary carcinoma and higher stage at presentation in older patients, completion thyroidectomy is recommended for patients ≥45 years. Thus, even though a good prognosis can be expected for PTC developing in TGDCs, staging is advocated to more appropriately match therapeutic interventions.

Upper neck papillary thyroid cancer (UPTC): A new proposed term for the composite of thyroglossal duct cyst-associated papillary thyroid cancer, pyramidal lobe papillary thyroid cancer, and Delphian node papillary thyroid cancer metastasis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is a common congenital anomaly, but TGDC carcinoma is rare. Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma management is controversial, especially that of the orthotopic thyroid gland. We aim to provide an insight into the pathologic basis of this management controversy through the review of 28 TGDC cancer cases, thus far the largest such series to our knowledge.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

METHODS

Twenty-eight cases recorded as TGDC cancer in the hospital database were reviewed; their initial clinical diagnosis from medical chart review (DX1) and final pathological review diagnosis (DX2) through pathology slides review by our pathologist (blinded to DX1) were compared. The thyroid gland management and pathology were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the 28 TGDC carcinoma (hospital-recorded diagnosis) patients, DX1 and DX2 were respectively reported as 53% and 14% TGDC carcinoma, 11% and 29% as pyramidal lobe primary, and 4% and 25% as metastatic Delphian node. Thirty-two percent of cases were in the indeterminate category, in both DX1 and DX2, but included different patients. Thyroidectomy was performed in 54% of the cases, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) was reported in 37% of these thyroid glands. Concurrent thyroid gland malignancy was reported in all Delphian node and pyramidal lobe PTC patients.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of TGDC cancer comprises a heterogeneous group that includes true TGDC cancer, pyramidal lobe primary, Delphian node metastasis, and indeterminate cases. We propose a new terminology of upper neck papillary thyroid carcinoma (UPTC) to denote this heterogeneous group and recommend a rational algorithm for management. Correct pathologic subcategory and thyroid ultrasonography are essential for optimal management of thyroid gland in UPTC cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1709-1714, 2016.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma arising from a thyroglossal duct cyst: a single institution experience

Thyroid cancers arising from a thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) are rarely reported. No clear consensus exists regarding optimal management. In this light, TGDC carcinomas recently treated at Asan Medical Center, as well as previously reported cases in the literature, were reviewed. There were ten patients who were diagnosed with TGDC carcinoma at our institution. All patients underwent pre-operative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Nine patients were suspected of having papillary carcinoma following cytology. The Sistrunk operation (SO) was performed in four patients, SO with total thyroidectomy (SO/TT) was performed in three patients, and SO/TT with neck dissection was performed in three patients. Six patients who received total thyroidectomy underwent radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy and T4 suppression. With a median follow-up period of 28.5 months, two patients showed recurrence and one of them died of the disease. We analyzed 163 cases from 1990 to 2012 with three or more cases TGDC carcinoma, including the present study. Among 48 patients who underwent FNAB, 75% had papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). SO, SO/TT, or SO/TT with neck dissection was performed in 27%, 41%, and 32% of patients, respectively. Among 119 patients who received total thyroidectomy, 36% had concomitant PTC in the thyroid. Among 52 patients who received neck dissection, 69% had cervical nodal involvement. The results of our review suggest that when TGDC carcinoma is suspected, ultrasonography and, if necessary, FNAB should be performed. If these tests reveal a suspected lesion in the thyroid or lymph node, SO/TT and lymph node dissection should be performed.

Giant thyroglossal cyst in an elderly patient

65 year old male presented to us with swelling on right side of neck which was progressively increasing since last 1 year. Moving with deglutition but not with the protrusion of tongue, FNAC and ultrasonography of the swelling suggested possibility of thyroglossal cyst (TGD). Histopathological report, on removal, by Sistrunk operation confirmed the same. Presence of TGD at the ripe age of 65 years, huge size, multilobular nature and absence of classical signs of TGD, in our patient prompted us to report this case.

Septic bleeding of the common carotid artery following total thyroidectomy: an atypical complication

Septic rupture of the common carotid artery following total thyroidectomy may rapidly lead to exsanguination. We present a case report of a 16-year-old girl, diagnosed with a questionable thyroglossal duct cyst. Following the initial operative intervention with local excision of the cyst including resection of the medial part of the hyoid bone, pathology revealed papillary carcinoma. Thus secondary total thyroidectomy with locoregional lymphadenectomy was performed. One week later, a wound infection developed, necessitating lavage and drainage. On the 8th postoperative day, a dramatic bleeding of the right common carotid artery occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature with a septic bleeding of the common carotid artery following total thyroidectomy after one week.

Thyroglossal duct cyst: personal experience and literature review

The thyroglossal duct cyst [TDC, or thyroglossal tract remnant (TTR)] is a well recognized developmental abnormality which arises in some 7% of the population. As a consequence, it represents the most common type of developmental cyst encountered in the neck region. It typically presents as a mobile, painless mass in the anterior midline of the neck, usually in close proximity to the hyoid bone. Less often, TDCs may present with signs and symptoms of secondary infection, or with evidence of a fistula. While TDCs are most often diagnosed in the pediatric age group, a substantial minority of patients with TDCs are over 20 years of age at the time of diagnosis. The standard surgical approach to TDC, encompassing removal of the mid-portion of the hyoid bone in continuity with the TDC and excision of a core of tissue between the hyoid bone and the foramen cecum, dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is often referred to as Sistrunk's operation. Malignancy is rarely encountered in TDCs; when such rare tumors do develop (in the order of 1% or so of patients with TDCs), they usually take the form of either papillary carcinoma of thyroid origin, or squamous carcinoma.

Follicular adenoma in a juxtathyroidal thyroglossal duct cyst with papillary carcinoma in the adjacent thyroid gland

This patient presented with a neck mass diagnosed as a papillary thyroid carcinoma by fine-needle aspiration. Preoperative computed tomography revealed a papillary carcinoma within a juxtathyroidal thyroglossal duct cyst. After surgery, the initial diagnosis was papillary thyroid carcinoma. After correlation with the computed tomography, the diagnosis was revised to a papillary thyroid carcinoma plus a follicular adenoma in a juxtathyroidal thyroglossal duct cyst. This case demonstrates the need for close clinical and radiographic correlation in such a complex case.

Inapparent twin malignancy in thyroglossal cyst: Case Report

Background

Although malignancy has been reported in thyroglossal cysts, synchronous occurrence of two malignancies is extremely rare.

Case Report

A case of concurrent papillary and squamous carcinoma arising in the thyroglossal cyst is presented here.

Conclusions

Papillary and squamous carcinoma simultaneously occurring in a thyroglossal cyst is rarely diagnosed prior to surgery and pose a therapeutic dilemma. In view of the extreme rarity of the condition, controversies do exist regarding the optimal strategy to be adopted. The ideal procedure needs to be individually tailored and involve a combination of surgery, radio ablation, thyroid suppression and external radiotherapy.