Clinicopathologic Study of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst: An Institutional Experience

Abstract

Background: Thyroglossal duct (TGD) is a developmental anomaly in which a remnant of the thyroid anlage is left in the neck throughout its descent from the foramen cecum of tongue to ultimate peritracheal position. A persistent duct can lead to thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC). Histologically, TGDC brings an epithelial lining of squamous or pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium and ectopic thyroid gland tissue in the duct wall. TGD-associated malignancy is rare, and the majority is papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the clinicopathologic features of thyroglossal duct cyst. Methods: This is an observational study. The study was carried out among the admitted patients of National Institute of ENT, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2019 to September 2022. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using SPSS-24. Results: This study shows that according to age distribution, 30(58.8%) were <20, 8(15.7%) were 21-30, 10(19.6%) were 31-40, 2(3.9%) were 41-50, none in the 51-60 and 1(2.0%) was ≥61 years age group. And according to gender (47.1%) were Male and (52.9%) were Female. According to diagnosis, 45(88.2%) were Thyroglossal Duct Cyst, 1(2%) was multinodular goiter and 5(9.8%) were Papillary thyroid carcinoma. Conclusion: TGDCs are common pathologic lesion affecting the neck. Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinomas, most commonly papillary thyroid carcinoma, is a rare condition that should be considered in patients presenting with cystic midline neck masses. Surgery is the main treatment and multidisciplinary consultation is required to improve survival. The diagnosis of malignancy is made postoperatively.