Diagnosis and treatment of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst in newborns

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to explore the diagnosis and treatment method of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst in newborns. METHOD: The clinical data of nine newborns who were diagnosed as lingual thyroglossal duct cyst were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: One lingual thyroglossal duct cyst was found when the tongue was pressed with a spatula. The other eight lingual thyroglossal duct cysts were found with a laryngoscope. Three-dimensional computed tomography showed that the cysts were located at the base of tongue, which was round and smooth. Six of nine patients were treated with the puncture method. The fluid was drawn out, and the average volume was 1.4 mL. Follow-up survey lasted for 1 year or more and 33.3% (2/6) of the cases recurred. For the recurrence, the two patients underwent another operation in which most of the cyst walls were removed and they had no recurrence after another year of follow-up survey. Three of the nine patients were treated with the excision method, and they had no recurrence after 1 year of follow-up survey. CONCLUSIONS: The laryngoscope and three-dimensional computed tomography examinations are important for the diagnosis of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst. Surgical removal serves as a radical cure for lingual thyroglossal duct cyst.