Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The thyroglossal duct cyst is frequently diagnosed in front of an anterior cervical swelling. Its degeneration is possible and observed in 1% to 2% of cases. The clinical feature is not specific, and the diagnosis of malignancy is most often established on final histological examination.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this paper is to review the presentation of thyroglossal duct carcinoma and discuss the clinical and therapeutic particularities.

Methods: Two cases of papillary carcinoma developed on a thyroglossal duct were identified over a period of 12 years (2010-2021).

Results: A man and a woman with no pathological history, aged 44 and 27 years old, consulted for upper cervical swelling evolving for 5 months and 3 years. The physical examination found an add-hyoid swelling of four cm and two cm, mobile on the protraction of the tongue. Cervical ultrasound suggested the degeneration in one case. The Sistrunk operation was performed associated with total thyroidectomy at the same time in a single case where the extemporaneous examination suggested malignancy. The histological study confirmed a papillary carcinoma developed on a thyroglossal duct in both cases. The other patient therefore underwent a thyroidectomy in a second time. Both patients were put on frenetic hormone therapy. Additional Iodine radiation therapy was indicated in both cases. With a follow-up of 12 months no one showed recurrence.

Conclusion: Malignancy on thyroglossal duct cyst is a rare situation. Papillary carcinoma is the most common cancer. The treatment remains a subject of debate, even if, currently, most authors recommend associating a total thyroidectomy with the Sistrunk procedure.