Delayed Diagnosis of a Congenital Neck Mass: Thyroglossal Duct Cyst in the Elderly

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Khaled Shueaı Al-Hazzar M., Aksoy A., Avşar B.

Rize Tıp Dergisi, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.63-69, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)

• Yayın Türü: Makale / Vaka Takdimi
• Cilt numarası: 1 Sayı: 1
• Basım Tarihi: 2025
• Dergi Adı: Rize Tıp Dergisi
• Sayfa Sayıları: ss.63-69
• Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
• Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are congenital neck anomalies commonly seen in children and young adults, with rare occurrence in individuals over 60, accounting for only 0.6% of cases. This report describes a 69-year-old male presenting with a submental mass, later diagnosed as TGDC alongside prostate carcinoma. A neck CT and MRI revealed a well-defined cystic lesion anterior to the hyoid, suggesting a congenital origin. The patient underwent a Sistrunk procedure involving excision of the cyst, duct, and part of the hyoid bone. At six months postoperatively, no recurrence or complications were observed. This case highlights the rare late-life presentation of TGDCs, which may mimic other pathologies on imaging. Accurate diagnosis and management underline the role of imaging and histopathology in confirming the diagnosis. While no metastasis was detected here, malignancy should be considered in patients with a history of cancer.

Keywords: Thyroglossal duct cyst; Sistrunk; Congenital neck mass; Vallecular cyst; Prostate adenocarcinoma.