A Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Presenting as a Thyroid Nodule in the Lateral Neck

Abstract

The patient is a 55-year-old female with a history of multinodular goiter. She was followed for several years for a dominant left-sided superior pole thyroid nodule. Several prior fine needle aspiration biopsies had been performed. All were consistent with the diagnosis of degenerative colloid nodule. Eventually she developed symptoms of intermittent choking and shortness of breath and presented for surgical evaluation. On physical examination, including ultrasound, a left-sided superior thyroid nodule was noted. At operation, the nodule was found to be completely separate from the thyroid. Dissection revealed a thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) located lateral to the superior pole of the thyroid gland, attached to the mid portion of the hyoid bone by a pedicle. The standard Sistrunk procedure was performed. Here we describe an unusual late presentation of a TDC located lateral to a multinodular goiter and producing compressive symptoms.