{"id":13335,"date":"2024-09-14T19:30:13","date_gmt":"2024-09-15T03:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/?p=13335"},"modified":"2024-10-16T04:44:16","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T12:44:16","slug":"thyroglossal-duct-cyst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroglossal-duct-cyst\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Thyroglossal Duct Cyst?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"13335\" class=\"elementor elementor-13335\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7a83c8a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7a83c8a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1b9e6dc\" data-id=\"1b9e6dc\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29beb2b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"29beb2b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/free-photo\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck_3866218.htm#fromView=search&#038;page=1&#038;position=0&#038;uuid=ccfd9a7d-346a-453a-a7fb-c05a00066a5c\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-13340 lazyload\" alt=\"Sick girl sitting in bed\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-13340 lazyload\" alt=\"Sick girl sitting in bed\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sick-girl-sitting-bed-with-scarf-around-her-neck-suffering-from-sore-neck-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">\u00a9Freepik<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6c0288c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6c0288c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0c938b6\" data-id=\"0c938b6\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d540d5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"5d540d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e14550 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7e14550\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>thyroglossal duct cyst<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a congenital anomaly that forms in the neck. It results from the incomplete closure of the thyroglossal duct, a structure that is present during <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/002398.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fetal development<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This duct (tube-like structure) serves as a pathway for the thyroid gland as it descends from the base of the tongue to its final position in the neck. Normally, the thyroglossal duct disappears after birth. However, in some cases, remnants of the duct persist and can lead to the formation of a cyst, typically located near the midline of the neck.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the rest of this blog article, we will learn more about thyroglossal duct cysts as we answer the following questions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#causes\">What are the causes of thyroglossal duct cysts?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#prevalence\">How prevalent is this condition?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#signs-and-symptoms\">What are the signs and symptoms of a thyroglossal duct cyst?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#diagnosis\">How is a thyroglossal duct cyst diagnosed and differentiated from other neck masses?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#treatment\">How is a thyroglossal duct cyst treated?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#sistrunk-procedure\">What is the Sistrunk procedure?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#recovery\">What are some postoperative care and recovery tips for this condition?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#cancerous-duct\">Can thyroglossal duct cysts become cancerous?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#myths\">What are common myths about thyroglossal duct cysts?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2eb602a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2eb602a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-45764b3\" data-id=\"45764b3\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e83acd elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"6e83acd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c112986 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c112986\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-79a24e4\" data-id=\"79a24e4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-decd189 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"decd189\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"causes\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Causes of Thyroglossal Duct Cysts<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1501055 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1501055\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we have just learned, the primary cause of this condition is the incomplete closure which leaves behind a small portion of the thyroglossal duct, which can later develop into a cyst. While thyroglossal duct cysts are typically congenital (present at birth) and sporadic (infrequent and not directly inherited), there have been rare instances of <\/span><b>familial clustering<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, suggesting a possible genetic factor in some cases. Published in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Journal of Surgery<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2017 is an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5711719\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">article<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that reports one of such rare cases, involving a family with 5 people affected with thyroglossal duct cysts. The authors suggest that doctors always take into consideration the family history of patients with thyroglossal duct cysts, as this might help identify other family members who may have the same condition. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7574219 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7574219\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0aee88 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d0aee88\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"prevalence\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Prevalence of Thyroglossal Duct Cysts<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-283f175 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"283f175\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common congenital neck masses, representing about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2468548822001060#bib1:~:text=Thyroglossal%20duct%20cysts%20(TGDC)%20are%20the%20most%20common%20form%20of%20congenital%20cysts%20in%20the%20head%20and%20neck%20and%20accounts%20for%2070%25%20of%20all%20congenital%20neck%20abnormalities\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">70% of such anomalies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and they can affect people of all ages. However, they are most frequently diagnosed in children and young adults, typically before the age of 30. Estimates suggest that about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK519057\/#:~:text=Thyroglossal%20duct%20cysts%20are%20the%20most%20frequently%20occurring%20congenital%20cervical%20anomalies%2C%20with%20a%207%25%20population%20prevalence.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7% of the population<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may develop a thyroglossal duct cyst. Unlike some congenital conditions such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/passing-thyroid-disease-to-my-children\/#:~:text=Congenital%20hyperthyroidism-,Congenital%20Hypothyroidism,-Congenital%20hypothyroidism%20is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">congenital hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, thyroglossal duct cysts do not show a significant gender predominance.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e1ac1c elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"4e1ac1c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-57c7e94 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"57c7e94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"signs-and-symptoms\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Signs and Symptoms of a Thyroglossal Duct Cyst<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3273d3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3273d3a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common symptom of a thyroglossal duct cyst is a <\/span><b>small, painless lump in the middle of the neck<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This lump is typically located just below the chin and may move slightly when the person swallows or sticks out their tongue.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the cyst is typically present at birth, it may not be immediately visible and often remains <\/span><b>asymptomatic<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for years. However, it can become noticeable later in life, particularly when it becomes enlarged due to an infection. If the cyst does become infected, it may cause <\/span><b>pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>redness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>tenderness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>swelling in the neck<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. An infected cyst can also lead to the <\/span><b>formation of an abscess<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which may rupture and drain through the skin. Some individuals may also notice that the size of the cyst increases or decreases during episodes of upper respiratory infections. A large cyst can press on surrounding structures, making it <\/span><b>hard to swallow or breathe.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fded4a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"fded4a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8980bd6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8980bd6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"diagnosis\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Diagnostic procedures\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3294c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c3294c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosing a thyroglossal duct cyst typically begins with a physical examination, followed by imaging procedures and sometimes a biopsy to rule out other conditions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-371345a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"371345a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Physical Examination <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d34c69 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9d34c69\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A healthcare provider will assess the location, size, and mobility of the neck lump. Because thyroglossal duct cysts are characteristically found in the midline of the neck and move when swallowing or sticking out the tongue, this helps distinguish them from other types of neck masses. It\u2019s important to distinguish a thyroglossal duct cyst from other neck masses, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499914\/\"><b>branchial cleft cysts<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK558918\/#:~:text=Lymphadenopathy%20refers%20to%20the%20swelling,%2C%20autoimmune%20disease%2C%20and%20malignancy.\"><b>lymphadenopathy<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroid-nodules\/\"><b>thyroid nodules<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, because an accurate diagnosis ensures that the correct treatment approach is followed.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5abb418 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5abb418\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Imaging Procedures<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce754ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ce754ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is the most common imaging technique used to evaluate thyroglossal duct cysts. An ultrasound can help determine the size and internal characteristics of the cyst and whether it contains any solid components.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>CT Scan or MRI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be recommended, particularly if the cyst is large or there is suspicion of malignancy (cancer). These imaging tests provide detailed information about the relationship between the cyst and surrounding structures in the neck.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29b69de elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"29b69de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-17dcdca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"17dcdca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there is concern that the cyst could be malignant, an <\/span><b>FNA biopsy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be performed. During this procedure, a small sample of fluid or tissue is extracted from the cyst to be analyzed under a microscope.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03434d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"03434d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46fcd05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"46fcd05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"treatment\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Treatment options<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b8d87b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6b8d87b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The primary treatment for a thyroglossal duct cyst is surgical removal, although antibiotics may be prescribed for cases where bacterial infection is present. Here are the most common treatment approaches:<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8f65be elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d8f65be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Antibiotic Therapy <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcfbbce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fcfbbce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the cyst becomes infected, a course of antibiotics is the first line of treatment. This helps manage the infection, reduce inflammation, and prevent further complications like abscess formation. However, antibiotics alone will not eliminate the cyst, as the underlying tissue remains intact.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-09f64c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"09f64c6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Drainage of Abscess <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-979372f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"979372f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the case of an infected cyst that has progressed to form an abscess, drainage may be necessary before surgery. Once the infection has subsided, the cyst can then be removed surgically to prevent future infections.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d86a2a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6d86a2a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Surgical Removal <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab6ac9a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ab6ac9a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surgery is the definitive treatment for thyroglossal duct cysts. The most common procedure is known as the <\/span><b>Sistrunk procedure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which involves removing the cyst along with a portion of the thyroglossal duct and some tissue from the hyoid bone (a small horseshoe-shaped bone located above the Adam\u2019s apple). This approach, which is capable of reducing the risk of recurrence and is considered the gold standard, will be explained in more detail in the next section.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04d59d6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"04d59d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-966fea9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"966fea9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"sistrunk-procedure\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is the Sistrunk procedure?\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98f5084 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"98f5084\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Sistrunk procedure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the most effective and widely accepted surgical approach for treating thyroglossal duct cysts. Developed by Dr. Walter Ellis Sistrunk in 1920, this technique ensures the complete removal of both the cyst and the surrounding tissue to minimize the chance of recurrence.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the procedure:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The surgeon <\/span><b>removes the cyst along with a portion of the thyroglossal duct<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which may extend to the hyoid bone in the neck.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>small section of the hyoid bone, which lies in front of the neck, is also removed<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is important because the thyroglossal duct is often attached to the hyoid bone. Removing part of the bone ensures no remnants of the duct are left behind.<\/span><\/li><li><b>Surrounding tissues may also be excised<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to lower the risk of recurrence.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Sistrunk procedure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has a high success rate, and most patients experience complete resolution of symptoms after surgery. Recurrence rates are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24985922\/#:~:text=The%20Sistrunk%20procedure%20is%20the%20treatment%20of%20choice%20for%20thyroglossal%20duct%20cysts%20because%20it%20yields%20low%20recurrence%20and%20morbidity.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">very low<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, particularly when compared to simple excision techniques that don\u2019t include the removal of the hyoid bone.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fd236f elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"8fd236f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8db30fc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8db30fc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"recovery\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Postoperative Care and Recovery<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-028381c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"028381c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recovery from the <\/span><b>Sistrunk procedure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is generally smooth, but post-operative care is essential to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Here\u2019s what patients can expect after surgery:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><b>Wound Care<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Proper wound management is absolutely necessary. Patients are typically advised to keep the surgical area clean and dry. Any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pain Management<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Mild pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the neck area is normal following surgery. Pain medications may be prescribed for the first few days after the procedure to alleviate discomfort.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Follow-up Appointments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Patients will need to attend follow-up appointments to ensure the wound is healing properly and to check for any signs of recurrence. Monitoring is important in the early weeks post-surgery.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most patients can return to normal activities within one to two weeks after surgery. Full recovery typically occurs within a month, though strenuous activities should be avoided until the doctor gives clearance.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-81fe145 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"81fe145\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d6ec505 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d6ec505\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"cancerous-duct\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Can Thyroglossal Duct Cysts Become Cancerous?\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e5cfe96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e5cfe96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though thyroglossal duct cysts are generally benign, there is a rare but real possibility of cancer developing within the cyst. The most common type of malignancy associated with thyroglossal duct cysts is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/papillary-thyroid-cancer\/\"><b>papillary thyroid carcinoma<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which arises from thyroid tissue present within the cyst.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancerous transformation occurs in less than 1% of cases, making it an uncommon complication. However, when it does happen, it is usually diagnosed during or after surgery, either through the discovery of suspicious features in the cyst or through routine pathological examination of the removed tissue.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key diagnostic steps if malignancy is suspected include:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><b>FNA biopsy <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to extract cells from the cyst to check for cancer.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imaging scans like <\/span><b>ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>CT<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be ordered to assess the structure of the cyst and any irregularities.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Surgical removal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the cyst along with surrounding tissues. If the suspected cancer is confirmed, further treatment options like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroidectomy-101-t\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thyroidectomy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/radioactive-iodine-therapy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">radioactive iodine therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be considered depending on the spread of the cancer.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30f6247 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"30f6247\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-279322e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"279322e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"myths\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Common Myths About Thyroglossal Duct Cysts\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fc28a8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8fc28a8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several misconceptions surrounding thyroglossal duct cysts, often due to how rare they are and their association with childhood development. Let\u2019s debunk a few of these myths:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><b>Myth: Thyroglossal duct cysts only occur in children<\/b><b><br \/><\/b><b>Fact<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: While most cases are diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, adults can also develop symptoms or have the condition diagnosed for the first time. In some cases, a cyst may remain undetected until adulthood, especially if it remains small or asymptomatic.<\/span><\/li><li><b>Myth: The cyst will go away on its own<\/b><b><br \/><\/b><b>Fact<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Thyroglossal duct cysts do not resolve spontaneously. Once they form, they typically persist and may enlarge over time. Surgical removal is the only definitive treatment, especially if the cyst becomes infected or causes discomfort.<\/span><\/li><li><b>Myth: Surgery for a thyroglossal duct cyst is a risky procedure for children<\/b><b><br \/><\/b><b>Fact<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Sistrunk procedure is commonly performed in children and is a well-established, highly effective surgery with a very low risk of complications. Most patients recover fully with minimal risk of recurrence.<\/span><\/li><li><b>Myth: Thyroglossal duct cysts always affect thyroid function<\/b><\/li><li><b>Fact<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Thyroglossal duct cysts are usually separate from the thyroid gland and do not typically affect thyroid function. Only in rare cases where malignancy develops or if the thyroid tissue is involved would thyroid function be impacted.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fdc488a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"fdc488a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6c52666 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6c52666\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ad7c4e4\" data-id=\"ad7c4e4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33af242 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"33af242\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c6a3ec4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c6a3ec4\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-37888bc\" data-id=\"37888bc\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7a6d50 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a7a6d50\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9740d11 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9740d11\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c084d44\" data-id=\"c084d44\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6350cc6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6350cc6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d49a73 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9d49a73\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, a thyroglossal duct cyst is congenital, meaning it is present from birth, although symptoms may not emerge until during childhood or adulthood.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the relative frequency of thyroglossal duct cysts, familial cases are uncommon, with only a few reported worldwide.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The long-term prognosis for individuals diagnosed with a thyroglossal duct cyst is generally very positive. Most patients, especially those who undergo the Sistrunk procedure, recover fully without any long-term complications.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Sistrunk procedure, which involves surgical removal of the cyst and surrounding tissue, is the gold standard for treatment, with low recurrence rates and a high success rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If left untreated, the cyst can become infected, leading to abscess formation, pain, and potential airway obstruction in severe cases. In very rare instances, cancer may develop.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a9Freepik A thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital anomaly that forms in the neck. It results from the incomplete closure of the thyroglossal duct, a structure that is present during fetal development. This duct (tube-like structure) serves as a pathway for the thyroid gland as it descends from the base of the tongue to its [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":13340,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-thyroid-symptoms","category-thyroid-conditions"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Is A Thyroglossal Duct Cyst?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about thyroglossal duct cysts, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options like the Sistrunk procedure.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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