Abstract
Aim: To analyze presentation and approach to management in patients with thyroglossal duct cyst.
Design: A descriptive study.
Setting: Department of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, PGMI, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar
Patients and methods: This study included twenty patients with thyroglossal duct cyst over a period of five years. All patients were admitted. Detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations were done. Cervical ultrasonography was performed in all these cases. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was done in two cases with the mass in the suprahyoid position. Sistrunk operation was performed in all patients. Excised tissue was sent for histopathological examination.
Results: There were 12 male and 8 female with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The average age at diagnosis was 8 years (range 5-11years). Eighteen patients presented with a midline cystic neck mass while in two patients the presentation was a recurrent draining fistula. Ultrasound studies were done in all patients which clarified the nature and position of the cyst and the presence of thyroid gland in its normal position. In two patients with suprahyoid mass fine needle aspiration confirmed the clinical diagnosis of thyroglossal cyst. All twenty patients underwent sistrunks procedure. Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of thyroglossal cyst. No postoperative complications were seen. One patient had recurrence.
Conclusion: The most common presentation of thyroglossal cyst is a midline cystic swelling of the neck that moves up with tongue protrusion. Ultrasound scan is the most appropriate investigations. Sistrunks procedure is the treatment of choice.