Work

Thyroglossal Duct Cysts (TGDC) in the Elderly Population: The Role of Conservative Management

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Sistrunk procedure is the treatment for thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC), the majority of which occur in children. TGDC are very rare in the elderly and account for under 2% of cases. Management in this population, where risks of surgery may outweigh benefits, is unclear. Here we present two cases of elderly patients with asymptomatic to mildly symptomatic TGDC. Both patients were 87-year-old women who were found to have neck swelling on exam. They both underwent computed tomography (CT) scans and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA). Both had histology consistent with a thyroglossal duct cyst. The patients were managed conservatively without evidence of recurrence. We conclude that in elderly patients with FNA demonstrating TGDC and minimal to no symptoms, conservative management is reasonable.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72183

Authors: Maria K Pomponio, Keith R Conti, Jason F Ohlstein, Irfan Khan, Thomas Koch

Institutions: St. Luke's University Health Network, St. Luke's Hospital, Lehigh Valley Health Network

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Anomalies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4403689576