Comprehensive analysis and treatment of intraoral thyroglossal duct cysts with intraoperative techniques: a 7-case series review in a tertiary care center

Abstract

Objective: Intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst is a relatively rare clinical disease. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment process of 7 patients and explores the clinical characteristics of diagnosis and treatment of intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst in combination with past literature reports.

Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 7 cases of intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst admitted to the Otolaryngology ward of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from January 2017 to January 2024. The cases were recorded in terms of gender, age, symptoms, physical signs, radiological examinations, surgical methods, and postoperative complications. All cases were followed up, and the latest follow-up results were recorded.

Results: Among the 7 cases, 6 patients underwent laryngoscopic and radiological examinations before surgery, and 1 child was found to have a cyst during surgery. All cases were diagnosed with intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst and treated with plasma radiofrequency surgery. None of the patients had postoperative complications, and no recurrence was found in the six-month follow-up after discharge.

Conclusion: Intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst is rare in clinical practice. It is important to pay attention to its differential diagnosis clinically, and careful review of images is required before surgery. Cryoablation with low-temperature plasma radiofrequency is not only minimally invasive and has a quick recovery but also has few complications and a low recurrence rate. It is a safe and effective treatment method that is worthy of clinical promotion.

Level of evidence: Level 3.

Keywords: Intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst; Low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation; Sistrunk procedure; Thyroglossal duct cyst.