Thyroglossal duct cyst anterior to the sternum: a novel presentation of a common lesion

Abstract

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) arise in roughly 7% of the general population and are typically diagnosed in childhood within the first decade of life. Typically, patients present with a painless, midline neck mass in close proximity to the hyoid bone which classically elevates with deglutition and tongue protrusion. We present a case of TDC found anterior to the sternum, a major deviation from the classical understanding of this lesion. The patient was treated successfully with modified Sistrunk procedure. This case underscores the need for clinicians to maintain a wide differential while working up paediatric patients presenting with neck masses. Furthermore, we emphasise that TDC must always be considered in cases of midline paediatric neck masses, even when found in unusual locations such as presented here.