Thyroglossal duct cyst and Sistrunk procedure in an adult patient: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common congenital midline mass of the neck and occur in 7% of the population. They are formed by the persistence of the thyroglossal duct, which usually obliterates between the eight and tenth week of gestation, after thyroid gland descent. Thyroglossal duct cysts mainly occur in pediatric patients, however can also be found in adulthood.Case Report: A 48 year old female patient with no significant medical history. Who was scheduled for surgery after presenting a tumor on the anterior face of the cervical region, of approximately 8 years of evolution. Physical examination revealed a well defined and mobile tumor on the midline in the anterior face of the neck, which rose upwards, upon mobilization of the tongue. A CT scan was performed, which showed a collection of cystic characteristics. The patient underwent a sistrunk procedure. The piece was extracted for histopathological study, which showed a cystic lesion, compatible with thyroglossal cyst.Conclusion: Thyroglossal duct cyst is the most common congenital, benign and cervical anomaly. They should always be thought of as a differential diagnosis in adult patients with neck masses. The treatment of choice is the Sistrunk procedure due to its lower recurrence rate.