User:Mr. Ibrahem/Thyroglossal cyst
| Thyroglossal cyst | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Thyroglossal duct cyst |
 | |
| Thyroglossal cyst | |
| Specialty | ENT surgery |
| Symptoms | Movable mid-line neck cyst[1] |
| Complications | Infection, fistula, cancer[1] |
| Usual onset | Present at birth[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Ultrasound[1] |
| Differential diagnosis | Lymphadenopathy, dermoid cysts, second branchial cleft cysts[1] |
| Treatment | Surgery[1] |
| Prognosis | Good |
| Frequency | 7% of people[1] |
A thyroglossal cyst is a cyst that forms from a persistent thyroglossal duct.[1] The cyst is generally easily movable and most commonly occurs in the mid-line of the neck.[1] Most commonly they present near the hyoid bone, though it may occur anywhere from the base of the tongue to the lower part of the neck.[1] Complications can include infection, fistula, or cancer.[1]
It develops from tissues left over after the formation of the thyroid gland during early development.[1] Diagnosis is usually by ultrasound.[1] Other conditions that can present similarly include lymphadenopathy, dermoid cysts, and second branchial cleft cysts.[1]
Treatment is generally by surgical removal, along with a part of the hyoid bone and small part of the tongue.[1] This should be carried out when infection is not present.[1] Following removal, thyroid hormone replacement may occasionally be required.[1] If only the cyst itself is removed, there is a 50% risk of recurrence.[1]
About 7% of people are affected.[1] Males and females are affected equally frequently.[1] They most commonly became apparent during childhood, though sometimes are only discovered in adulthood.[1] The thyroglossal duct was first described by Vater in 1723 while the current treatment was developed in the early 1900s.[2]