Large Thyroglossal Duct Cyst: A Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common congenital neck cysts. They typically present in childhood and early adulthood, and average a size of 2-4 cm, but can also present in later adult life. CASE REPORT We present a case of a 36-year-old female patient with a very large midline neck mass, reaching the mandible superiorly. Patient history and physical examination, as well as computed tomography scan of her neck, confirmed the diagnosis of large thyroglossal duct cyst. She underwent Sistrunk procedure for thyroglossal duct cyst excision, and the specimen was sent for histopathological evaluation, which confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Thyroglossal duct cyst should be considered as a differential diagnosis in older patients and in patients with a relatively large neck mass.