A Case of Accidentally Discovered Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Progressing to the Larynx

Abstract

Thyroglossal duct cyst is usually discovered as a mass-related lesion of the midline of the anterior neck. Progression of a thyroglossal duct cyst to the larynx is rare, but when it occurs it may cause airway obstruction and therefore requires appropriate treatment. We report a 70-year-old male with a thyroglossal duct cyst progressing in the larynx which was discovered accidentally. When the subject underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for a cause of anemia, the attending physician found a mass-related lesion around the larynx. As an abnormal shadow was seen around the larynx in CT, the patient was introduced to our department. We found a cystic lesion which had progressed to the larynx. A colectomy had been planned for transverse colon cancer, and cyst resection was also performed at the same time under general anesthesia. We made a diagnosis of a thyroglossal duct cyst from operation views and pathological examination. We were able to resect the cyst without damaging the laryngopharynx mucous membrane. We were able to extubate after the operation with no problem. The form of the larynx was almost back to normal in the endoscope views after the operation.