LARGE THYROGLOSSAL DUCT CYST WITH LARYNGEAL EXTENSION

Background. A thyroglossal duct cyst typically presents as a long-stan ding neck mass that becomes symptomatic when inflamed. Hoarseness is a n uncommon complaint, and its association may suggest encroachment on and destruction of the larynx. Following removal of the cyst with the Sistrunk procedure, the larynx may need to be reconstructed. Methods. A case is reported of a patient who was initially seen with hoarseness and a long-standing midline neck mass. Computed tomography (CT) demon strated a large cystic neck mass that eroded the thyroid cartilage and encroached on the pre-epiglottic space and right paraglottic space. A lthough the clinical impression was that of laryngeal neoplasm, the CT diagnosis was that of a cyst. At surgery, a thyroglossal duct cyst wa s found and successfully removed with the Sistrunk procedure. Because the thyrohyoid membrane and thyroid perichondrium were preserved, the glottis did not require reconstruction. This case is presented and the literature of thyroglossal duct cysts that extend into the larynx is reviewed. Conclusions. The clinical and radiographic criteria that sug gest encroachment of a thyroglossal duct cyst on the larynx are review ed. The management and indications for laryngeal reconstruction are di scussed.