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Thyroglossal Cyst
“Fibrous cyst in the neck that arises from a persistent thyroglossal duct”
Risk Factors
- Not typically associated with any additional congenital abnormalities
Aetiology
- Congenital abnormality
Pathophysiology
- Persistence of part of the thyroglossal duct (an embryological remnant of thyroid gland development, should completely disappear) provides a reservoir for the collection of fluid/mucus and can lead to the development of a cyst.
Clinical Presentation
- Cysts are usually found in the midline of the neck
- They are usually small, mobile, soft, non-tender and fluctuant
- They move up and down with the movement of the tongue
- The patient may also experience difficulty breathing or swallowing
- This cyst is present from birth but is usually not diagnosed until childhood
Investigations
- TFTs to check thyroid function
- CT / USS +/- fine needle aspiration can be used to confirm the diagnosis
Management
- Surgical resection (commonly the Sistrunk procedure)
- +/- antibiotics
Complications
- Infection, thyroglossal fistula, thyroglossal duct carcinoma (rare)
- Cysts can reoccur if any of the thyroglossal duct remains after surgery