ABOUT THE DISEASE

A thyroglossal cyst is a congenital anomaly (present since birth), causing a neck mass or lump that develops from cells and tissues remaining after the formation of the thyroid gland during embryonic development.

These cysts usually are discovered in patients who are between the ages of 2 to 15 years old. They are more prevalent in males.

CAUSES

Thyroid gland begins as a small group of cells at the very back of the base of tongue. As these cells grow to form thyroid gland, they begin to move down the neck through a canal called the thyroglossal duct. The thyroid gland moves down the thyroglossal duct until it arrives in its final place low in the neck, just above the breast bone. Post this the thyroglossal duct normally disappears, however, sometimes it does not close completely and leaves an open space that may fill up with fluid or a thick mucus-like material, creating a thyroglossal cyst.

SYMPTOMS

• • Small, soft, round mass in the front of the neck; may be painful and red, if infected.
• • Difficulty swallowing or breathing (very large cysts).
• • Small opening in the skin near the mass, with drainage of mucus from the cyst.

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination
- Blood tests for thyroid function
- Ultrasound examinations / CT Scan
- Thyroid scans - uses radioactive iodine to rule out any physical abnormalities
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy - to rule out malignancy

TREATMENT METHODS

Treatment options for thyroglossal cyst include:
• Antibiotics - to treat a bacterial infection, and also to shrink the size of the cyst.
• Surgery to remove thyroglossal cyst (Excision of thyroglossal cyst).

You may also like to learn about:

Thyroid disorders
Goitre
Carotid body tumor
Lipoma
Thyroid cancer
Lymphangioma