How do I know if my thyroglossal duct cyst is infected?
How do I know if my thyroglossal duct cyst is infected?
How do I know if my thyroglossal duct cyst is infected?
Symptoms may include:
- A small, soft, round mass in the center front of the neck.
- Tenderness, redness, and swelling of the mass, if infected.
- A small opening in the skin near the mass, with drainage of mucus from the cyst.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
What is the most common malignancy in a thyroglossal duct cyst?
The most common primary thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma is papillary carcinoma (75–80%), but other tumor types of primary tumor do occur, such as mixed papillary-follicular carcinomas (7%), squamous cell carcinoma (5%), follicular carcinoma (1.7%); Hürthle cell carcinoma and anaplastic carcinoma (0.9%) have also been …
How fast does a thyroglossal cyst grow?
About 50% of the cases are detected within the first 2 decades of life, but approximately 15% of cases are diagnosed after the age of 50 years. Most thyroglossal duct cysts are slow growing, averaging a size of 2–4 cm, but may enlarge rapidly following an upper respiratory tract infection [2].
Is Thyroglossal cyst painful?
The cyst is usually a painless, soft, round lump in the front center of the neck. They will typically move when the person swallows or sticks their tongue out. Surgical removal of the cysts helps prevent recurrence and infection. They are often diagnosed in preschool-aged children or during mid-adolescence.
How is a Thyroglossal cyst treated?
The treatment for a thyroglossal duct cyst is surgical removal. There is no known medical therapy with the exception of infected thyroglossal duct cysts, which require immediate antibiotic treatment. The infection should be resolved before surgery is performed.
Is a thyroglossal duct cyst serious?
It occurs during embryonic development when tissues in the neck and collarbone, or branchial cleft, develop differently. In most cases, a branchial cleft cyst isn’t dangerous. However, it may cause skin irritation, skin infection, or — in very rare adult cases — cancer.