Article
Thyroglossal duct cysts management
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Published: | April 17, 2009 |
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Introduction: Thyroglossal duct cysts are remnants of the embryonic thyroglossal duct that may occur from the base of the tongue to the thyroid gland. Possible sites of thyroglossal cysts: base of the tongue, intralingual, suprahyoid, infrahyoid, prethyroid and pretracheal. Treatment may include: antibiotic medication (to treat the infection), surgical removal of the cyst and the thyroglossal duct, called the Sistrunk procedure.
Methods: Between 2000 and 2007, 78 patients with thyroglossal duct cysts and thyroglossal duct fistulas were treated in our clinic: 8 patients with thyroglossal duct fistulas; 70 patients with thyroglossal duct cysts; 50 patients were children; 28 patients were adults; 44 patients were males; 34 patients were females.
Results: Recurrences occurred in 4 cases: S.A. 1 years old, recurrences occurred after 5 months; D.S. 12 years old, recurrences occurred after 4 months; C.C. 32 years old, recurrences occurred after 4 months; B.F. 11 years old, recurrences occurred after 4 years.
Conclusions: The tryroglossal duct cysts are rare, congenital defects. A thyroglossal duct cyst has the chance of regrowing after surgery (~10%). The positive diagnosis should always include a complete preoperative (clinic and paraclinic) evaluation. Sistrunk procedure – removing the whole thyroglossal tract and cyst – represents the efficient surgical treatment. The anatomopathological exam is always requested to exclude a thyroid carcinoma.