THYROGLOSSAL CYSTS - A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY

Objective: To review our experience with thyroglossal cysts outlining the clinical features as well as aspects of histology and management. Design: A retrospective study. Setting: Qatif Central Hospital, Divisi on of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery and Department of Patho logy. Subjects: The subjects were 49 patients: 29 females and 20 males (F:M of 1.5:1). Mean age 15.4 years (range 11 months- 56 years). Resu lts: Thirteen had thyroglossal sinus, 2 presented with thyroglossal ab scess and later thyroglossal sinus, 27 had thyroglossal cyst and 7 tur ned out to have other diagnosis. Of those with thyroglossal cysts 74% were below the hyoid bone, 22% suprahyoid and 3.7% over the hyoid bone . Five of the thyroglossal cysts were away from the midline. Histology revealed epithelial linings in 27 out of 37 studied cases and no epit helial lining in 10. Thyroid follicles were seen in 21 patients and sa livary gland tissue in 4. There were 2 minor wound infections and 3 re currences. Infection was the main reason for recurrence. Conclusion: T hyroglossal cysts are the commonest midline neck swellings in the pedi atric age group. To minimize complications and recurrence in particula r any lesion whose presentation is typical of a thyroglossal cyst shou ld be treated early with Sistrunk's operation.