Thyroglossal duct cyst

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Neck swelling.

Patient Data

Age: Teenager
Gender: Male

CT neck

ct

Contrast enhanced CT demonstrates a large cystic lesion located anterior to the thyroid cartilage, and passing deep to the hyoid bone which it displaces. It extends somewhat laterally towards the left. 

Diagram

Diagram

Cyst (C) anterior to the thyroid cartilage (orange arrow) and deep to the hyoid bone (blue arrow).

Diagram depicting the descent of the thyroid gland along the thyroglossal duct (green arrow) explaining both the variable location of thyroglossal duct cysts as well as the location of ectopic thyroid tissue. 

Case Discussion

Thyroglossal duct cysts typically present in young children as midline swellings, and may become infected. 

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