Thyroglossal Duct Cyst vs. Thyroid Carcinoma

Left picture: The diagnosis is a thyroglossal duct cyst. Right picture: Here, the diagnosis is a papillary thyroid carcinoma of the right lobe which has been confirmed by histological examination of the biopsy. Given the pathology and the local findings in the picture, the different ages in the two cases (first-grader, left picture/ teenager, right picture) argue for a malignancy in the older patient. Nevertheless, thyroglossal duct cysts may occur anywhere along the midline, and manifest also beyond childhood.

In both girls a neck mass of the midline is visible. Left picture: However, the mass lies above the transverse skin fold. Right picture: Here, the tumor is situated below the underneath skin fold. Left picture: The local finding is symmetric, roundish and cystic. Right picture: Here the local finding is asymmetric, extends to the side and is tough. The additional picture at the bottom shows that the mass protrudes distinctly on the right side lateral to the midline in a view from the left side.