Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Arising in Thyroglossal Cyst: A Report of Two Cases

Authors

  • Niketa Tyagi Department of Pathology, Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India
  • Monika B Gathwal Department of Pathology, Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India
  • Kulwant Singh Department of Pathology, Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India
  • Chiranjeev Gathwal Department of Pathology, Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India
  • Ruchi Agarwal Department of Pathology, Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India
  • Sawaran Kaur Department of Pathology, Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21276/apalm.3655

Keywords:

papillary carcinoma, Histopathology, thyroglossal cyst, malignancy, adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Papillary carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct cyst is a rare entity, accounting for approximately 1% of all thyroglossal cyst cases. Clinically, it often mimics a benign cystic lesion, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. In most instances, the malignancy is discovered incidentally during histopathological evaluation following surgical excision. We report two cases of papillary carcinoma arising in thyroglossal duct cysts in female patients aged 38 and 37 years, respectively. In both cases, the carcinoma was identified only after routine surgical excision performed for clinically benign-appearing cysts. Histopathological examination revealed features characteristic of papillary thyroid carcinoma originating within the thyroglossal duct cyst. These cases highlight the importance of thorough preoperative evaluation, including high-resolution ultrasound, to assess for solid components, calcifications, or other suspicious features. Furthermore, extensive histological sampling of excised thyroglossal duct cysts-particularly those with solid areas is essential to exclude the presence of malignancy.

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Published

20-09-2025

How to Cite

1.
Tyagi N, Gathwal MB, Singh K, Gathwal C, Agarwal R, Kaur S. Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Arising in Thyroglossal Cyst: A Report of Two Cases. Ann of Pathol and Lab Med [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 20 [cited 2025 Dec. 5];12(9):C176-C179. Available from: https://pacificejournals.com/journal/index.php/apalm/article/view/3655

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Section

Case Report