title: Tall cell carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct cyst: A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinomas are extremely rare and their clinical presentation is similar to that of benign cysts. The diagnosis is based on physical examination, laboratory tests, and most importantly multiple imaging techniques (ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging), and fine needle aspiration cytology.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a very unusual case of a tall cell variant of papillary carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct cyst in association with a follicular variant of papillary microcarcinoma and a tall cell variant of papillary carcinoma arising from the thyroid gland.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although rarely described in the medical literature, ectopic thyroid tissue present in the thyroglossal duct cyst could be involved in the development of a poorly differentiated carcinoma. The frequent observation of an associated primitive thyroid carcinoma makes surgical management of thyroid gland controversial.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For the optimal management of this rare pathological condition, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and meticulous intra-operative appraisal are fundamental.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gordini
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Podda
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Medas
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Letizia
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Longheu
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pisano
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Pietro Giorgio
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Calò
keywords: CT, computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; Papillary carcinoma; Sistrunk procedure; TDCC, thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma; Tall cell carcinoma; Thyroglossal duct cyst; Thyroidectomy; US, ultrasonography