Intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cyst: A case report

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) can be detected in several different locations, although in the literature, intrathyroidal presentations are rare. Our patient was a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and presented with a right-lateral neck mass that was clinically indistinguishable from a thyroid nodule. Cytology revealed normal-looking squamous cells on fine-needle aspiration. Right hemithyroidectomy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed a cyst lined by squamous epithelium that was consistent with a thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC). Our recommendation is to diagnose intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cyst (ITTDC) in front of anterior basicervical masses, particularly when the patient has hypothyroidism. Fine needle aspiration cytology can be used to detect benign squamous cells and may rule out malignancy. Although relatively rare, an intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cyst (ITTDC) is a benign lesion whose diagnosis must be correctly established for appropriate therapeutic management. •Intrathyroidal thyroglossal tract cyst (ITTDC) is a rare entity.•A thyroglossal tract cyst (TDC) should be suspected in the presence of a cystic thyroid mass with hypothyroidism.•Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) can point to the diagnosis if it shows benign squamous cells.•Hemithyroidectomy is a successful treatment if no thyroglossal duct tract was noted.