Preoperative evaluation of thyroglossal duct cysts: children versus adults--is there a difference?
BACKGROUND
Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are common in children but also present in adults. This study evaluates the preoperative management and postoperative outcomes in patients with a resected TGDC.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with a surgically treated TGDC. Clinicopathologic variables and treatment outcomes were obtained by chart review.


RESULTS
A total of 79 patients (44 pediatric and 35 adult) were identified. The majority of patients in both groups presented with a neck mass. Compared with children, adults were significantly more likely to undergo preoperative imaging and fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Malignancy was not identified in any patient on preoperative workup or postoperative pathology.


CONCLUSIONS
Adults with a TGDC are more likely to undergo preoperative imaging and biopsy. The infrequent occurrence of TGDC cancer or concurrent thyroid pathology suggests that the diagnosis of a TGDC may be made on clinical grounds in adult patients although ultrasound (±fine-needle aspiration biopsy) may be a useful supplementary modality.
Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 4641 JCP, Iowa city, IA, USA.
Anuradha R
AR
Bhama
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 4641 JCP, Iowa city, IA, USA.
Richard J
RJ
Smith
Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 4641 JCP, Iowa city, IA, USA.
Robert A
RA
Robinson
Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 4641 JCP, Iowa city, IA, USA.
Ronald J
RJ
Weigel
Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 4641 JCP, Iowa city, IA, USA.
Sonia L
SL
Sugg
Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 4641 JCP, Iowa city, IA, USA.
James R
JR
Howe
Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 4641 JCP, Iowa city, IA, USA. Electronic address: geeta-lal@uiowa.edu.
Geeta
G
Lal
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013955:Thyroglossal Cyst / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Adults; Children; Comparison; Thyroglossal duct cysts