A large thyroglossal duct cyst and its management: a case report

Abstract

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) are congenital neck cysts, formed as a result of the failure of the thyroglossal duct to involute during embryogenesis and their mean size is 1.5-2.4 cm. We present a case of a 44-year-old male who presented with a history of a large anterior neck mass measuring 8.7x6x6.4 cm and causing dysphagia and mild dyspnea. After being mistaken for a goiter, a clinical diagnosis of TGDC was made based on history, clinical and radiographic findings. The patient was treated with Sistrunk's procedure. No recurrence was noted on follow-up. Thyroglossal duct cysts are generally well-defined small lesions, but even bigger ones are not linked with severe symptomatology. The larger size at presentation may increase the list of potential diagnoses and lead to diagnostic dilemmas. Every effort should be made to rule out malignancy before surgery. Sistrunk's procedure with dissection of the posterior hyoid space should be the standard of care.