What is a thyroglossal cyst?

A thyroglossal cyst is a benign cystic swelling found most commonly in the midline of the neck. It forms in an embryological remnant of the thyroglossal duct.

During development in the womb, the thyroid gland starts out at the back of the tongue and then migrates down to the root of the neck as in adult life, passing through the hyoid bone. This leaves a small tract, called the thyroglossal duct, which would normally disappear shortly after this process.

However, in some people the tract, or part of the tract, can remain and give rise to cystic swellings. These cysts are usually painless, are freely mobile, and move both on swallowing and protruding the tongue.

This procedure is the removal of a thyroglossal cyst and part of the hyoid bone which is above the larynx, through a cut along the upper part of the neck.

Sometimes a fistula develops when a thyroglossal cyst is not completely removed. It is usually infected. A procedure is done to open and remove this tract.

This procedure will require an anaesthetic.