Thyroglossal Duct Cysts
A thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital neck mass that forms from leftover tissue along the path the thyroid gland takes during fetal development in the womb. These cysts are usually located in the midline of the neck around the Adam’s apple. While they are present at birth, they typically become noticeable in early childhood as a soft and painless neck lump. The cyst may move upward when the child swallows or sticks out their tongue.
Though often harmless, thyroglossal duct cysts can become infected after upper respiratory illnesses. Infected cysts can appear red, swollen, tender and rarely may drain pus if the skin breaks down.
The workup for a thyroglossal duct cyst typically starts with a physical exam by our team. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other neck masses, a neck ultrasound is typically performed. This imaging helps assess the size and location of the cyst and ensures that normal thyroid tissue is present in its proper place in the neck. Additional imaging like a CT scan or MRI may be used if the anatomy is unclear or if the cyst has been previously infected.
Our ENT for Kids team performs surgical removal for definitive removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst. The procedure is called the Sistrunk operation, which removes not only the cyst but also the tract and a portion of the hyoid bone to reduce the risk of recurrence. Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, and children typically recover well. If the cyst is infected at the time of diagnosis, antibiotics may be used first to resolve the infection prior to surgery.
With proper diagnosis and surgical management, thyroglossal duct cysts can be effectively treated with excellent long-term outcomes. Our surgeons at ENT for Kids have the largest experience in the aera for managing thyroglossal duct cysts.
If you’re concerned your child may have a thyroglossal duct cyst, please speak to your pediatrician about a referral or reach out to us to arrange a consultation.