Thyroglossal cyst

Thyroglossal cyst

Thyroglossal cyst with papillary thyroid cancer

Thyroglossal cyst is a fibrous cyst that forms from a persistent thyroglossal duct. It is the most common type of congenital neck abnormality (or congenital anomaly) found in children.

Anatomy

The thyroglossal duct is an embryonic anatomical structure which forms the thyroid. It usually disappears by the 10th week of gestation. If it does not, a thyroglossal cyst may form.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a thyroglossal cyst may include a small, painless mass in the neck that can move upward when the tongue is stuck out. If the cyst becomes infected, additional symptoms may include redness and tenderness of the mass, fever, and sore throat.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a thyroglossal cyst is typically made through physical examination and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cyst through a procedure known as Sistrunk procedure. This procedure involves removal of the cyst as well as a portion of the hyoid bone and a core of tissue around the thyroglossal tract.

See also

• Branchial cleft cyst
• Dermoid cyst
• Ranula
• Thyroid

References

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