Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Causing Airway Obstruction in an Adult

Abstract

Thyroglossal duct cysts, though not uncommon, rarely present with evidence of laryngeal compromise. The case presented is one of the very few cases with documented laryngeal invasion reported in the English language. Of clinical significance is the patient's presentation with laryngeal symptoms of choking and dysphonia in the presence of a small anterior cervical mass. While the thyroglossal duct cyst usually presents as an asymptomatic anterior neck mass, this case illustrates the importance of considering a thyroglossal duct cyst in any patient with airway compromise in the absence of a neck mass.