What is a thyroglossal cyst?
A ‘congenital’ cyst (meaning born with it) that usually appears in about the middle of the neck under the chin.
The cyst is usually not apparent at birth, but is discovered later as is slowly grows.
How do thyroglossal cysts occur?
When a baby develops in the womb, the throid gland starts to form near the back of the tongue, then moves down to its normal position in from on the thyroid cartilage, or ‘Adam’s apple’. It may leave behind a tube that runs up to the tongue (the ‘throglossal duct’) which then forms a cyst.
What problems can a thyroglossal cyst cause?
- Infection
- Cosmetically unattractive
What is the treatment?
Surgical removal.
How is this done?
Under a general anaesthetic (asleep) in the operating room.
The operation is called a ‘Sistrunk procedure’. The cyst is removed along with the middle of a small bone under the chin called the ‘hyoid’ bone, and the tube (the ‘throglossal duct’) within the tongue muscle is removed as well.
What are some of the possible complications?
- Infection in the wound
- Bleeding
- Obstruction to breathing
- This can occur if bleeding under the would causes excess swelling
- Recurrence
What to expect after the operation
Your child may stay overnight or may go home the same day, at the discretion of your surgeon.
There will be a scar at the site where the cyst had been.
The stitches are dissolvable and usually cannot be seen because they run under the skin (‘subcuticular’).
Your surgeon or anaesthetist will usually use local anaesthetic to reduce pain after the operation. This wears off after a few hours. At home, give paracetamol for pain relief.
