Persistent thyroglossal duct
Persistent thyroglossal duct | |
---|---|
Origin of Thyroglossal duct (Thyroid diverticulum) | |
Specialty | Medical genetics |
A persistent thyroglossal duct is a usually benign medical condition in which the
Signs and symptoms
Studies done on cadavers claim persistent thyroglossal ducts can be completely asymptomatic and found in 7% of the human adult population.[1] However, the continued presence of the duct can often lead to complications due to infections and fluid buildup. The glands in the mucosa of the duct will continue their secretions until the fluid forms a cyst or exit the duct via the opening in the foramen cecum. Local infections, such as colds, tonsillitis, or inflammation of the lymph nodes in the area can also lead to the accumulation of fluid within the duct.[2] Even if the cyst forms as secondary to another infection and improved after antibiotics, it will often reoccur and require treatment. [citation needed]
Three-fourths of abnormalities within a persistent thyroglossal duct involve the formation of a cyst.
Very rarely, the persistent duct can become
The other fourth of abnormalities presents as draining abscess. This is from an infection that will rupture through the skin to allow for adequate drainage of the infected area.[2]
Anatomy
The tongue develops after the thyroid primordium so the foramen cecum becomes buried at the base of the tongue. The thyroglossal duct then continues through the neck and lies anterior to the laryngeal cartilage. The duct then passes anteriorly to the developing hyoid bone; however, as the bone continues to grow it can continue to grow posteriorly, become anterior, or even grow to surround the duct. The duct is found very close to the medial line of the neck. The duct continues in front of the thyrohyoid membrane, sternothyroid muscle, and sternohyoid muscle, before terminating in the inferior segment of the neck at the thyroid.[4]
Failures of duct removal surgeries have proven that the suprahyoid region of the duct can have many microscopic branches that connect to the base of the tongue. They exhibit variability between different cases; however, it is believed they are associated with the pharyngeal mucosa and muscles of the tongue.[citation needed]
Embryological origin
During the third week of development, the thyroid gland begins to develop from the floor of the
Once the thyroglossal duct involutes, the cells will begin to degenerate and disappear. However, in the case of a persistent thyroglossal duct, the tube remains hollow and continues to connect the foramen cecum to the thyroid gland.[citation needed]
Histology
The cells of the thyroglossal duct are epithelial in origin. The cell shapes can range from columnar, to squamous, to transitional
Diagnosis
Ultrasound is the often chosen to examine the duct and determine the presence and size of any cysts or abnormalities. Fine-needle aspiration cytology can also be used to confirm the diagnosis.[6]
Treatment
In order to prevent further cysts and infections from forming, the thyroglossal duct and all of its branches are removed from the throat and neck area. A procedure, known as the Sistrunk procedure, is considered to be the standard procedure and involves removal of portions of the hyoid bone and core tissue of the suprahyoid region. Cysts will often reoccur if the entire duct is not removed, so reoccurrence requires a wider range of tissue to be removed in a subsequent surgery.[4]
Delaying the surgical procedure almost always leads to recurrent infections, which will continue to delay the needed treatment. The Sistrunk procedure has a reoccurrence rate of less than 5%, proving it is extremely effective at removing the majority of traces of the persistent thyroglossal duct.[6]