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FlowerThyroglossal Duct Cyst
Programs that treat this condition
 General Surgery Program  
What is a Thyroglossal Duct Cyst?
Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
Figure 1
In the fetus, the thyroid gland forms at the bottom of the tongue. Early in fetal life it migrates or moves from the bottom of the tongue downward to the base of the neck.

Sometimes as the thyroid migrates, it drags some of the lining of the pharynx. A cyst may form at the base of the thyroid along the route of migration (see Figure 1). A thyroglossal duct cyst is then produced.

A thyroglossal cyst usually appears between ages 2 - 10. It is found equally in both girls and boys. The main risk of a thyroglossal duct cyst is infection. Bacteria from the mouth may cause the cyst to become infected.

What are some common signs and symptoms?
  • The cyst is seen as a mass in the middle of the neck.
  • The cyst is round and firm with no opening.
  • The cyst usually does not cause any pain.
  • The cyst moves up when the tongue is stuck out of the mouth or with swallowing.
  • Occasionally the cyst can be seen to one side or other of the breathing tube.
  • Bacteria from the mouth may infect the thyroglossal duct cyst causing sudden swelling of the cyst and redness or tenderness in the area of the cyst.
What is the treatment?
Surgical removal of the cyst is recommended unless it is infected.
What happens on the day of surgery?
  • General anesthesia is used. Most children go home the same day unless there are any breathing problems or a small drain is placed in the wound. In those cases, your child may need to stay overnight.
  • You will meet the anesthesia doctor and the surgeon again on the day of surgery.
  • After surgery, your child will stay in the Day Surgery Unit until he/she is ready to go home. Parents are welcome to stay with their child during this time.
What happens after surgery?
  • You will be given a written instruction sheet before you go home telling you how to care for your child.
  • Most children have some discomfort after the operation. The doctor may prescribe pain medicine. Give pain medicine as prescribed and instructed by your doctor and nurse.
  • It is usually not necessary to remove stitches. They are under the skin and dissolve on their own.
  • A clear waterproof dressing or bandage may be applied to the incision.
  • Your child may shower or have a sponge bath at home one to two days after surgery.
  • Your child's doctor will ask you to make a follow-up appointment about 2 weeks after the surgery to check how the area is healing.
When to call your child's doctor
  • Your child's surgery will be schedule in the near future. You will receive a pamphlet with information about the day of surgery when the date is set.
  • Before the surgery, if the area becomes red, tender, swollen, or drains, please call the surgeon.
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