Imaging case study of the month. Thyroglossal duct cyst with intralaryngeal extension.

OBJECTIVES: Thyroglossal duct cysts with intralaryngeal extension are rare. We present only the 10th reported case in the literature.

METHODS: The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient are reviewed and summarized. The uniqueness of the case, as well as the diagnostic and treatment pitfalls of this subgroup of patients, is presented.

RESULTS: Our patient, at 76 years of age, is the only woman and the oldest person reported to have had a thyroglossal duct cyst with intralaryngeal extension.

CONCLUSIONS: Intralaryngeal extension should be considered when there is hoarseness, dysphagia, or dyspnea associated with a thyroglossal duct cyst. Office laryngoscopy and computed tomography make the diagnosis. Care must be taken with airway management and intraoperative dissection for good outcomes.