A rare location of papillary carcinoma: Thyroglossal duct cyst

Abstract

The inadequate closure of the thyroglossal tract paves the way for a thyroglossal cyst. Thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) malignancy is quite rare. A thirty-nineyear-old female patient was admitted to the polyclinic with a complaint of palpable mass in the neck. Findings compatible with TDC were determined in the patient’s neck screening and it was considered to be malignant due to irregular margins, apparent vascularization and punctual calcifications. Fine needle aspiration biopsy was unremarkable. TDC was excised by Sistrunk procedure and frozen examination was performed. Total thyroidectomy was performed additionally since the result of the frozen examination was found to be compatible with the primary papillary carcinoma of TDC. If preoperative biopsy does not provide a diagnosis, frozen section study will be beneficial in terms of both providing the early diagnosis and directing the operation strategy during the surgery in clinically or radiologically suspected patients.