Variety of histopathological findings of the thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) stimulated us to review the clinical and histopathological findings in 27 cases of TGDC among 37 children having been operated upon for a midline neck mass during the period from 1957 through 1984. The pathologic specimens were reviewed in 23 out of 27 cases. The lining epithelium of TGDC were pseudostratified ciliated and columnar in 6 (26%), stratified squamous in 3 (13%). Two kinds of the epithelium were seen in a cyst in 4 cases (stratified squamous epithelium combined with pseudostratified ciliated epithelium in 3 and stratified squamous epithelium combined with columnar epithelium in one). Unclassified stratified epithelium was found in one case and no epithelial linings could be found in remaining 3 cases. Along with TGDC, thyroid tissue was found microscopically in 7 cases (30.4%) and mucous glands or seromucous glands were seen in one case each. Branching of TGDC was noted in 4 cases (17.4%). Simple excision of XGDC was carried out in 7 cases without recurrence but 2 of 20 cases who had undergone radical excision (Sistrunk's) recurred. The other complications were not experienced throughout the period. To avoid the recurrence, exact knowledge on the embryology and pathology of TGDC as well as the correct preoperative diagnosis and adequate operative procedure are mondatory.
