Thyroglossal Duct Cyst with Multiple Tracts-A Case Report

A thyroglossal duct cyst is an embryological remnant which persists due to failure in the closure of thyroglossal duct. Worldwide the prevalence of thyroglossal cysts is about 7%. There is no sexual predominance seen. Normally at about 10th week of gestation the thyroglossal duct involutes, if there is any persistent duct remnant then this can lead to thyroglossal duct cyst formation. There is 1% chance of malignant transformation (papillary carcinoma). A 21-year-old female presented to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department with the complaint of swelling in front of the neck for the past one month. A 2 x 1.5 cm(2) swelling was observed in the anterior aspect of neck-infrahyoid region extending till thyroid notch. The swelling moved upwards with protrusion of the tongue and deglutition. Ultrasound neck revealed a complex cystic lesion in midline of neck of size 2 x 1 x 2.2 cm(3) suggestive of thyroglossal cyst. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) showed features suggestive of thyroglossal duct cyst. Patient was prepared for Sistrunk procedure. Intraoperatively multiple tracts of thyroglossal duct cyst were seen and the same were removed in toto. Patient was on regular follow-up postoperatively for a period of one year and no evidence of any recurrence was seen.