Coincidence of thyroid tumor and thyroglossal duct remnants.: Review of the literature and presentation of three cases

Aims and background: The coincidence of benign or malignant thyroid tumors with thyroglossal duct remnant (TDR) cysts is rare. Although the precise etiology is still unclear, thyroid origin and spread from a primary site have been suggested and this obviously has important implications for the therapeutic approach. Three cases of thyroglossal duct carcinoma are presented and its management is discussed on the basis of the current rationale for treatment of thyroid cancer. The indication for surgery depends on positive findings in the thyroid gland (nodules, FNAB). The aim of this study was to review our experience in the management of papillary thyroid diseases associated with TDR. Materials and methods: The records of three patients with thyroid tumors associated with TDR treated at the Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery of the First Medical Faculty UK of Prague between January 1991 and January 2001 were analyzed. We searched for risk factors of thyroid carcinoma: history of ionizing radiation, history of thyroid diseases, age, tumor size, tumor spread and histopathological factors. Results: We used a triple approach consisting of clinical and ultrasound examination and fine-needle aspiration biopsy for preoperative assessment. Our diagnostic and therapeutic procedures included TDR excision (Sistrunk or Schlange procedure) and total thyroidectomy. Although the therapeutic approach could be a matter of discussion, most patients agreed with our suggestion of relatively radical but non-mutilating treatment. Postoperative radiation or radioiodine ablation is considered in cases of TDR carcinoma or thyroid carcinoma associated with TDR. Oncological follow-up included clinical and ultrasound examination three times during the first year, twice in the second year, and once yearly thereafter. Tumor marker evaluation and/or scintigraphy were performed 6, 12 and/or 24 months following surgery.