Thyroglossal Duct Cysts (TGDC) in the Elderly Population: The Role of Conservative Management

Sistrunk procedure is the treatment for thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC), the majority of which occur in children. TGDC are very rare in the elderly and account for under 2% of cases. Management in this population, where risks of surgery may outweigh benefits, is unclear. Here we present two cases of elderly patients with asymptomatic to mildly symptomatic TGDC. Both patients were 87-year-old women who were found to have neck swelling on exam. They both underwent computed tomography (CT) scans and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA). Both had histology consistent with a thyroglossal duct cyst. The patients were managed conservatively without evidence of recurrence. We conclude that in elderly patients with FNA demonstrating TGDC and minimal to no symptoms, conservative management is reasonable.