thyroglossal duct cyst
Pronunciation: thy-row-GLOSS-al
Also written as: TGD — thyroglossal duct cyst
Congenital cystic mass arising from embryonic thyroglossal duct remnants, typically presenting in the midline neck.
Full Definition
A developmental anomaly resulting from incomplete regression of the thyroglossal duct during embryogenesis, presenting as a cystic mass anywhere along the path of thyroid gland descent from the tongue base to the lower neck. These cysts may contain thyroid tissue and can become infected or malignantly transformed. The classic presentation includes a midline neck mass that moves with swallowing or tongue protrusion. Treatment requires complete surgical excision including the central portion of the hyoid bone (Sistrunk procedure) to minimize recurrence risk.
Usage
Usage note: Sistrunk procedure is the gold standard surgical treatment.
In Context
- "The midline neck mass was identified as a thyroglossal duct cyst on ultrasound examination." — Radiology report
- "Sistrunk procedure was performed for complete excision of the thyroglossal duct cyst." — Operative note