Thyroglossal duct carcinoma: a rational approach to management.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the authors' experience with thyroglossal duct carcinoma and present a rational approach to the management of this entity.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the cytopathology and pathology records of all patients with the diagnosis of a thyroglossal duct remnant from 1965 to 1997 was performed.

RESULTS: Three cases of papillary thyroglossal duct carcinoma were identified, with one suspected squamous cell carcinoma by needle aspiration. The papillary carcinomas are discussed in detail to illustrate the difficulty encountered in managing the thyroid gland in the setting of a thyroglossal duct carcinoma. Fine-needle aspiration proved effective in making the diagnosis preoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS: The authors recommend that a thyroglossal duct cyst with a microscopic focus of papillary carcinoma, without cyst wall invasion, be managed with a Sistrunk procedure. Treatment of all other thyroglossal duct papillary carcinomas should include removal of all thyroid tissue followed by radioactive iodine treatment.