Introduction

Thyroglossal duct cysts result from the abnormal descent of thyroid tissue during embryologic development. They typically appear during early childhood as midline neck masses that move up and down with swallowing. Surgical resection is required due to the risk of infection and malignancy and must include resection of the central portion of the hyoid bone (Sistrunk procedure) to minimize recurrence. Operative removal should be delayed if the patient presents with an actively infected cyst.

see also Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Excision

Content in this topic is referenced in SCOREThyroglossal Duct Cyst/Sinus overview