Based on the case histories of six patients with carcinoma of the thyroglossal duct, the literature on the origin and treatment of this disease was reviewed. As to the treatment of papillary adenocarcinoma there is some controversy, although in most cases treatment is limited to local excision as described by Sistrunk, provided that tumor growth is restricted to the cyst. The prognosis of this carcinoma seems favorable. Squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroglossal duct is rare; there is no uniform advice as to its treatment, and the prognosis is poor.