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Thyroglossal Duct Cyst

Jason E. Cohn, MS, DO Reviewed 06/2021
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Cyst composed of epithelial remnants of the thyroglossal tract as it descends from the foramen cecum at the tongue base to the lower neck

  • Midline neck mass at the level of the thyrohy...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Most often asymptomatic midline neck mass

  • Can present as enlarged mass following URI or, if infected, can present with swelling, pain, dyspnea, dysphagia

  • Foul taste in the mouth if spon...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Antibiotics for infections

  • Pain control

MEDICATION

  • Infected cysts/sinuses are first managed by treating the infection, then allowing time for inflammation to decrease prior to e...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Unrestricted; if a thyroglossal duct is not removed, as many as half will become reinfected so surgical follow-up is critical

  • Infection before surgery is a well-de...

REFERENCES

1
Oomen  KP, Modi  VK, Maddalozzo  J. Thyroglossal duct cyst and ectopic thyroid: surgical management. Otolaryngol Clin North Am.  2015;48(1):15–27. [View Abstra...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Galluzzi F, Pignataro L, Gaini RM, et al. Risk of recurrence in children operated for thyroglossal duct cysts: a systematic review.  J Pediatr Surg. 2013;48(1):...

CODES

ICD10

Q89.2 Congenital malformations of other endocrine glands 

SNOMED

39462005 Thyroglossal duct cyst 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Often asymptomatic midline neck mass at the level of the thyrohyoid membrane, closely associated with the hyoid bone

  • If patient has signs of dysphonia, dyspnea, or dysphagia, the airway...

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