Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis of a Cyst of the Oral Cavity: An Unusual Case of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Located on the Tongue Base

Abstract

We describe a case of a lingual thyroglossal duct cyst diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound at 26 weeks of gestation. The follow-up ultrasound scans revealed no changes in the cyst measurement. Surgical treatment was performed without any complication 72 hours after delivery with good results.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Oral Masses by Ultrasound Combined With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

“…The differential diagnosis of a mass in the oral cavity should include teratoma, epulis, mucosal retention cyst, duplication foregut cysts, dermoid cyst, and other benign or malignant soft-tissue masses. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Some studies in the literature have demonstrated that the most common types of fetal oral solid masses were teratoma and epulis. 12 In our series, we reported 6 cases of fetal oral masses, including LM in 2 fetuses and mucosal retention cyst, mature teratoma, immature teratoma, and cranial meningocele in 1 fetus, respectively.…”

“…There are multiple causes of congenital cystic malformations of the oral cavity. [8][9][21][22] LM may present with typical sonographic features, which usually manifest as transpatial and multiseptate cystic masses that are predominantly hypoechogenic and avascular. 22 Cases 3 and 4 in our series were diagnosed with LM that presented as a multiseptate cystic lesion with no vessels feeding within the oral mass.…”

“…Only one case of mucosal retention cyst occurred in our series, which was misdiagnosed prenatally as thyroglossal duct cyst because of the cyst's characteristics and its location under the base of the tongue; however, we had ignored the finding that the cystic mass did not move along with the tongue. 8 Unquestionably, larger congenital oral masses can lead to mechanical obstruction of the oral cavity, resulting in prenatal polyhydramnios and feeding or respiratory problems in the postnatal period. 16,[23][24][25] In fetuses with masses of the face and neck, the largest measurement of the vertical pocket and mass effect on the trachea had the greatest contribution to the prediction of significant morbidity.…”

“…Currently, only a few studies (mainly case reports) have addressed the issue of diagnosing fetal oral masses by prenatal US. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] It is important to make an accurate diagnosis and detailed evaluation of oral masses before birth. The purpose of this retrospective study was to comprehensively describe the imaging features of fetal oral masses on prenatal US and MRI and to discuss their differential diagnoses, with the aim of assisting in the manage-ment and counseling of pregnancies affected by this condition.…”

“…Thus, prenatal diagnosis has become more important to enable prompt and valid management of the fetus and newborn as well as accurate parental counseling regarding its consequences and the future of their baby. Currently, only a few studies (mainly case reports) have addressed the issue of diagnosing fetal oral masses by prenatal US 4–10 . It is important to make an accurate diagnosis and detailed evaluation of oral masses before birth.…”