Im 37 yrs old & a ct scan found a 1.6cm thyroglossal duct cyst. the thought of being cut open with hyoid removal scares me. is it necessary?

Not necessarily: You have had this cyst all your adult life. It is probably not causing you any problem and was likely an incidental finding. If the cyst is not infected or otherwise symptomatic it does not need to be removed. Wish you good health! - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Cyst: Unfortunately cysts tend to enlarge, compromising adjacent hard and soft tissue. If concerned, seek a second opinion. If both practitioners agree, go for it.