Purpose of study: To discuss the authors' experience with thyroglossal duct (TD) carcinoma and expose the interest of the thyroidectomy in the management of this entity.
Patients and methods: A retrospective review of all patients with the diagnosis of TD operated on from 1985 to 2002 was performed.
Results: Four cases of papillary TD carcinoma were identified. Two patients were treated by a Sistrunk procedure associated with total thyroidectomy. One patient needed a thyroidectomy fifteen years after the initial management of the papillary thyroglossal duct carcinoma. The last patient had a medical treatment, with no evidence of complication after eleven years of follow up.
Conclusion: A microscopic focus of papillary carcinoma, without cyst wall invasion, can be managed by a Sistrunk procedure, with the need for long-term follow up. Treatment of all other thyroglossal duct papillary carcinomas should include thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine treatment.