Thyroglossal Duct Cysts (TDC):
Definition:
Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDC) are small, typically benign lumps that can be felt or seen in the middle of the throat. usually discovered in children under the age of 10.
Symptoms:
- Lump in the Throat: A noticeable lump in the throat that moves when swallowing or when the tongue is stuck out.
- Physical Characteristics:The cyst is soft, smooth, and round, often compared to a small ball of cookie dough.
- Swelling and Pain:Cysts can swell and become painful, especially during upper respiratory tract infections.
- Swallowing Difficulty: Cysts may make swallowing food or liquids difficult.
Risk Factors:
- Age: More common in children, with most cases found in those aged 10 and younger.
- Cancer Risk: Extremely rare for TDC to become cancerous, affecting less than 1% of cases; more common in adults.
Causes:
Thyroglossal duct cysts develop during gestation as the thyroid gland forms. The thyroglossal tract, through which thyroid cells travel, should typically close off but may persist, leading to cyst formation. Why some tracts do not dissolve remains unknown.
Diagnosis:
- Physical Examination: Doctors diagnose TDC through throat examination.
- Ultrasound:Used to determine the size of the cyst.
- Tests for Cancer Diagnosis:Fine needle biopsy, CT scan, and MRI may be conducted if cancer is suspected.
Treatment:
- Non-Symptomatic Cysts:Surgery may be recommended if the cyst is infected, causes difficulty swallowing, or is symptomatic.
- Surgery: Sistrunk surgery is a common procedure involving cyst removal, the thyroglossal tract, and part of the hyoid bone.
- Recovery: Typically, one can return to normal activities within a week, with strenuous activities postponed for 2 to 6 weeks.
Cancer Treatment:
- Sistrunk Procedure: Common for cancer cases, followed by checking lymph nodes and thyroid.
- Additional Surgeries: Total thyroidectomy, lateral neck dissection.
- Radioactive Iodine Treatment (RAI): To eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Prevention:
Thyroglossal duct cysts are congenital and cannot be prevented.
Prognosis:
- Non-Cancerous Cysts: Sistrunk surgery is highly effective, and recurrence is rare.
- Cancer Cases:Surgery cures 95% of cases; some may undergo radioactive iodine treatment.
Post-Surgery Concerns:
- Contact Healthcare Provider If:
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C).
- Signs of infection, redness, swelling, or pain.
- Draining incision.
- Persistent pain despite prescribed medication.
For any query contact Sukhayu Hospital Nashik or call 7420004242
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Thyroglossal Duct Cysts
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Physical Characteristics
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