ENT - Cysts Flashcards
What is a cystic hygroma?
Congenital malformation of lymphatic system
Cyst filled with lymphatic fluid
Where are cystic hygromas located?
Posterior triangle of neck on the left side
Can be seen on antenatal scans, routine baby checks or discovered incidentally
What are the key features of a cystic hygroma?
Commonly in neck or axilla
Can be very large
Soft
Non tender
Transilluminate
What are the complications of a cystic hygroma?
Interfere with feeding, swallowing or breathing
Can become infected
Can be haemorrhage into cyst
How are cystic hygromas managed?
Watchful waiting
Aspiration (gives temporary improvement)
Surgical removal and sclerotherapy
Outline thyroglossal cyst formation
Thyroid starts at base of tongue
Gradually descends neck to final position via thyroglossal duct
Thyroglossal duct should obliterate, if part of the duct persists it can cause a fluid filled cyst
What is a key differential of thyroglossal cysts?
Ectopic thyroid tissue
Occurs at similar location
What is the main complication of a thyroglossal cyst?
Infection
Causes hot, tender and painful lump
What are the key features of a thyroglossal cyst?
Mobile
Non-tender
Soft
Fluctuant
Moves up and down with tongue movement
Why do thyroglossal cysts move with the tongue?
Connection between thyroglossal duct and base of tongue
How are thyroglossal cysts managed?
USS or CT to confirm diagnosis or histology
Surgical removal
May reoccur after surgery unless full thyroglossal duct is removed
What is a branchial cyst?
Congenital abnormality arising when the second branchial cleft fails to properly form
Leaves a space surrounded by epithelial tissue in lateral neck which can fill with fluid
Where else can branchial cysts arise from?
First, third and fourth clefts
Second is most common
How do branchial cysts present?
Round
Soft
Between angle of jaw and SCM
Presents after 10 years old, most commonly in young adulthood when it becomes noticeable or infected
What is a sinus?
Blind ending pouch
