Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of Clinical Features and Outcomes. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rayess, Hani M.; Monk, Ian; Svider, Peter F.; Gupta, Amar; Raza, S. Naweed; Lin, Ho-Sheng
• Is Part Of: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Volume 156:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 794
• Page End: 802
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma -- Sistrunk procedure -- papillary carcinoma; Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0194599817696504
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-5998

Abstract

Objective: Although thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are relatively common, malignancies within these lesions are infrequent. As a result, there are no large-scale series describing clinical characteristics. Our objectives were to perform a systematic review of the literature evaluating patient demographics, pathology, management, and prognosis of these patients. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane reviews, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed for data detailing epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes. Review Methods: Inclusion criteria included English-language articles with original reports on human subjects. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles for the data collected, including epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes. Results: Ninety-eight articles comprising 164 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age at presentation was 39.5 years (9-83 years); 68.3% of patients were female. In total, 73.3% of cases were found on final pathologic analysis. The most common pathology was papillary cancer (92.1%). Of the patients, 98.9% underwent a Sistrunk procedure and 61.0% underwent total thyroidectomy. There was a 4.3% recurrence rate with a mean time to recurrence of 42.1 months from initial treatment. One patient died of TGDC carcinoma, while all other patients were disease free at the time of last follow-up (mean follow-up was 46.1 months). Conclusion: TGDC carcinoma is typically diagnosed on final pathology. While management encompasses a Sistrunk procedure, further consideration should be given to thyroidectomy among patients ≥45 years of age and individuals with aggressive disease. TGDC carcinoma harbors an exceedingly low rate of mortality.