THYROGLOSSAL DUCT CARCINOMA - REPORT ON 3 CASES

1% of thyroglossal duct cysts are supposed to develop carcinoma. In mo st cases papillary carcinoma is found deriving from ectopic thyroid ti ssue. As far as squamous cell carcinomas are concerned, worldwide only eleven cases have been reported so far. In this article, three cases of carcinoma in a thyroglossal duct cyst are presented (1 case of squa mous cell carcinoma, 2 cases of papillary carcinoma). The diagnostic p rocedures as well as the therapeutic strategies are discussed. The dia gnosis of a thyroglossal duct cyst should be confirmed by ultrasonogra phy. This can provide information about the presence or absence of a n ormal thyroid gland and makes radioisotope scanning unnecessary.