A member asked:

My sister says she has thyroglossal cyst . what is that?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Thyroglossal cyst: A thyroglossal cyst (or thyroglossal duct cyst) is due to a congenital defect in which the embryonic tissue of the thyroid gland did not complete its process of differentiation in the normal manner. The defect is present at birth, but the symptoms of a nontender swelling in the midline in the front of the neck can develop at any time during life. Treatment is surgical removal of the cyst.

Answered 4/24/2015

6k views

Thank
Dr. Anna Meyer answered

Specializes in Pediatric ENT and Head and Neck Surgery

Surgery is important: Thyroglossal duct cysts are best treated when they have not already been infected and so it is important to remove them early. Infection can be very uncomfortable and in some cases, can compress the airway and make it hard to breathe. In addition, the surgery is made more difficult after infection because there is often scar tissue.

Answered 2/15/2012

6k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: Thyroglossal cyst?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I'm sure I have a thyroglossal duct cyst..now what?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

What should I expect to happen after a thyroglossal cyst operation?

A doctor has provided 1 answer