ENT, by video or in person
Thyroglossal Cyst
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Thyroglossal Cyst
- A painless lump in the middle of the neck
- A lump that moves up when swallowing or sticking out the tongue
- A lump that gets bigger or sore after a cold or a sore throat
- Redness, pain and swelling when it becomes infected
- A small opening in the skin of the neck that leaks fluid
A thyroglossal cyst is a smooth, round lump in the middle of the front of the neck, usually just above the Adam's apple. Before birth, the thyroid gland moves down from the back of the tongue to the lower neck, leaving a thin tract that normally disappears. When part of it stays open, fluid can collect and form a cyst. It is most often noticed in children, but it can appear at any age, sometimes after a cold. It is almost always harmless, but it tends to become infected, so it is usually removed with an operation that takes out the tract as well.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A painless lump in the middle of the neck
- A lump that moves up when swallowing or sticking out the tongue
- A lump that gets bigger or sore after a cold or a sore throat
- Redness, pain and swelling when it becomes infected
- A small opening in the skin of the neck that leaks fluid
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital today if a neck lump becomes rapidly bigger and painful with a fever, or if there is any difficulty breathing or swallowing. See a doctor for any new lump in the neck. See an ENT surgeon or a paediatric surgeon if the lump is in the middle of the neck and moves when swallowing, or if it has been infected before.
Treatment options
- Examination of the neck by a surgeon
- An ultrasound of the neck and a thyroid blood test
- Antibiotics if the cyst is infected, before surgery
- The Sistrunk operation, removing the cyst and its tract
- Checking the removed tissue in the laboratory
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Will a thyroglossal cyst go away on its own?
Usually not. It may shrink after an infection settles, but the tract remains and it tends to swell again. Removal is the usual advice.
Can it just be drained?
Draining an infected cyst can relieve pain, but the cyst comes back. The full operation, which removes the tract, is what prevents that.
Need Help?
An ear, nose and throat specialist on a video call, who plans treatment and says whether an examination or an operation is needed.
See an ENT specialist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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