Intrathyroid dermoid cyst presenting as a unilateral “Cold” nodule

Abstract

A dermoid cyst arising in the left lobe of the thyroid gland in a 5-year-old boy was managed with a left hemi-thyroidectomy. While congenital lesions feature frequently in the differential diagnosis of childhood neck masses, dermoid cysts presenting as a unilateral neck mass are rare. When found within the thyroid, their pathogenesis may be explained by a disruption of normal thyroid development. Excision appears the treatment of choice.

Fine needle cytology of intrathyroid epidermoid cyst

“…2 However, the occurrence of squamous cell as a part of more organized structures such as dermoid cysts, 3 and in particular, epidermoid cysts, as seen in our case, is rare. 2 However, the occurrence of squamous cell as a part of more organized structures such as dermoid cysts, 3 and in particular, epidermoid cysts, as seen in our case, is rare.…”

“…Apart from the rather common epidermoid cysts of thyroglossal duct origin that occur in the midline of the thyroid gland, true squamous cell nests originating in the ultimobranchial body, thymic remnants, solid cell nests, and metaplasia of the normal or inflamed follicular epithelium, may be present in the lateral lobes of the thyroid. 2 However, the occurrence of squamous cell as a part of more organized structures such as dermoid cysts, 3 and in particular, epidermoid cysts, as seen in our case, is rare. 4,5 Despite the widespread use of fine needle cytology (FNC) in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules, including our case, only 10 cases of epidermoid thyroid cysts occurring in 5 male and 5 female patients aged 4-78 (mean 40) years have been reported in the literature.…”