Thyroglossal cyst

Thyroglossal cyst is a small midline swelling in children, usually situated at or around the level of the hyoid bone near the Adam’s apple. It commonly presents between 2 and 10 years of age, although it can go unnoticed until an infection makes the cyst more apparent.

What is it?

It is a cyst that develops along the tract of thyroid tissue, anywhere from the base of the tongue down to the thyroid cartilage. In many children it is painless and asymptomatic until it becomes enlarged or infected.

Usual location

• Suprahyoid or above the hyoid bone
• At the level of the hyoid bone
• Infrahyoid

Features

Thyroglossal cysts can contain very small amounts of ectopic thyroid tissue, meaning thyroid tissue that is not in its usual place. This may be present in up to 70% of cases. A distinguishing feature is that the swelling can move with swallowing or when the tongue is protruded. This movement can be detected during clinical examination by a surgeon in the clinic.

Thyroglossal duct cysts may be found anywhere along the tract of thyroid tissue from the base of the tongue to the thyroid cartilage.

Investigation

Clinical

A doctor can often detect the condition through clinical examination of the swelling in the clinic.

Radiological

Ultrasound can help distinguish a thyroglossal cyst from other neck swellings such as a branchial cleft cyst. Thyroglossal cyst is 2 to 3 times more common than branchial cleft cyst. In rare cases, ultrasound can also help differentiate it from a thyroid cyst.

Surgical management

Surgery is the definitive treatment. An operation called Sistrunk surgery is performed, in which the cyst is mobilised and dissected along the full tract to reduce the risk of recurrence. A very small risk of cancer has been noted in these cysts.

Risks

Recurrence of a thyroglossal cyst is more likely if the surgery is not performed completely and carefully.

Early assessment by an experienced paediatric surgeon can help confirm the diagnosis and guide the right treatment plan.

Treatment for thyroglossal cyst in Lahore

Paediatric Surgeon Abid Qazi is a senior paediatric surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in paediatric surgery. He is available for physical and virtual consultation, including free online consultation for selected cases.

Please contact info@abidqazi.com, WhatsApp +923174002444, or visit the contact page.