Journal of surgical oncology
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Review
Management of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma presenting within a thyroglossal duct cyst.
Well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) is diagnosed in approximately 1.5% of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC). No clear consensus exists regarding further management after adequate excision of the cyst, especially the role of total thyroidectomy and postoperative radioactive iodine therapy. The current review was undertaken in an attempt to clarify these issues. ⋯ The Sistrunk operation is adequate for most patients with incidentally diagnosed TGDC carcinoma in the presence of a clinically and radiologically normal thyroid gland. Results of adequate excision using the Sistrunk operation are excellent and the concept of risk-groups should be used to identify patients, who would benefit from more aggressive treatment.