Clinical Observation and Analysis of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Carcinoma: A Report of 5 Cases

Abstract

Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma (TGDCCa) is a rare condition with only approximately 300 cases reported to date. There is a lack of comprehensive reporting on its clinical manifestations, ultrasound, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, immunophenotyping, procedure, and prognosis following modified Sistrunk’s procedure. This study aimed to address these gaps by analyzing and summarizing the clinical features of 5 cases of papillary carcinoma arising in thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC). Five patients with papillary carcinoma in TGDC treated by modified Sistrunk’s procedure were included. Their clinical manifestation, physical examination findings, iconography, pathological findings, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed in aiding the diagnosis and treatment of TGDCCa. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the papillary carcinoma subtype. The BRAFV600E mutation was detected in 2 patients. No evidence of cancer recurrence, distant metastases, and malignant changes in the thyroid was found after a mean follow-up of 29.8 months. The management of TGDCCa with papillary carcinoma in low-risk patients can be accomplished by performing a modified Sistrunk’s procedure along with a regular follow-up imaging of the thyroid and neck. Although postoperative pathological diagnosis is the gold standard for diagnosis, it is equally crucial to comprehend the clinical manifestations and auxiliary diagnostic techniques before surgical intervention.