Papillary carcinoma in a thyroglossal cyst: report of a case and review of literature

A 29-years old male presenting with a midline neck swelling four centimetres in diameter of one years duration was diagnosed to have a thyroglossal cyst. He underwent a Sistrunk's operation. Histological examination of the specimen revealed a papillary thyroid carcinoma limited to the cyst wall. The thyroid scan was normal indicating no further need for surgery. The patient has been on suppressive therapy with thyroxin for one year and is currently disease-free. A review of literature is also presented.