Simultaneous existence of papillary carcinoma in the thyroid gland and thyroglossal duct cyst in two patients.

Papillary carcinoma of the thyroglossal duct cyst is a rare occurrence. Two patients presenting with medial neck masses were diagnosed as having thyroglossal duct cysts by ultrasonography. The Sistrunk operation was performed. Histopathologic evaluation demonstrated papillary carcinoma in the surgical specimens of both patients. The thyroid glands were examined by ultrasonography, scintigraphy, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Biopsy showed papillary carcinoma, and total thyroidectomies were performed. Micropapillary carcinoma was detected in the resected thyroid glands. The patients were asymptomatic without complications after 24 and 32 months of follow-up, respectively.