Thyroglossal duct cysts that mimic laryngeal masses

Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common nonodontogenic cysts to occur in the neck, and they often are situated in close proximity to the larynx. Despite this, they almost never present as an intralaryngeal mass. Three cases are cited in which intralaryngeal examination suggested that a larynx lesion was present. In two cases, a submucosal supraglottic mass was seen, while in the third case, the thyroid cartilage was eroded and a laryngeal malignancy was suspected. The role of CT in diagnosing and mapping these tumors is discussed.