Thyroglossal (Duct) Cyst Flashcards
What is it?
A congenital disorder where the thyroglossal duct does not disappear fully. Remnants of the epithelium remain and form a cyst
What does the thyroid gland develop from?
Foramen cecum forms between front 2/3 and back 1/3 of tongue - tissue underlying this is different from rest of tongue - it’s cells develop into thyroid gland
How does the thyroid gland develop?
Epithelial proliferation of cells at base of tongue (floor of pharynx) migrate downwards, but remain connected to tongue via thyroglossal duct.
Thyroid passes infront of hyoid bone, before settling infront of trachea.
What are the walls of the thyroglossal duct lined with?
Epithelial cells and lymphoid cells - secrete mucus
Usually when thyroid has reached its finally position the cells on either side of the thyroglossal duct stick together and canal gets obliterated
The thyroglossal duct is usually gone by what month of development?
Third month
In some people the thyroglossal duct remains .. what happens here?
Parts of the duct widen to form cysts (filled with mucus secreted by the epithelial cells)
What symptoms/ signs are seen?
Painless swelling in front of neck - MIDLINE
Moves upward on tongue protrusion
May be red and painful if infected
Where are they usually located?
Just above or below the hyoid bone
What complications can occur?
A respiratory tract infection can easily spread to the thyroglossal duct cyst - inflamed and more mucus produced
Burst of cyst - discharging sinus
Thyroid gland cells remaining in the duct - thyroid gland may not develop as normal, in rare cases a thyroid tumour may develop in cyst
How is it diagnosed?
USS or CT
Confirmed with fine needle aspiration
How is it managed?
Surgical removal of thyroglossal tract
Antibiotics
What is the point of attachment of thyroglossal duct and tongue?
Foramen cecum
