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Thyroglossal cyst
Benign (non-cancerous) lump in the thyroid gland. HCA UK's experts can help to diagnose and treat a range of cysts, including thyroglossal cysts.
About
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and produces hormones which regulate metabolism.
The thyroid gland starts at the back of the tongue and then migrates down the neck during development, leaving the thyroglossal duct (tract). Normally this duct would disappear, but it can remain and cause swellings to develop (known as thryoglossal cysts).
Need to know
Thyroglossal cysts are usually painless and move only when you swallow or stick out your tongue. However, sometimes the fluid or mucus-filled cysts (lumps) can become inflamed, which leads to noticeable swelling. Thyroglossal cysts are usually benign and very rarely become malignant (cancerous).However, you should always go to your GP or consultant if you have any swelling in your neck.
The most common symptoms of thyroglossal cysts that need to be removed are:
- swelling/lump in the midline of the neck
- recurrent infection
- pain or discomfort in the throat
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
Thyroglossal cysts can be diagnosed in several ways. Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Tests they recommend may include:
- blood test (to determine how well the thyroid gland is working)
- biopsy (a small sample of cells may be taken from the thyroglossal cyst and examined under a microscope)
- ultrasound of the thyroid and thyroglossal cyst
Treatment options for thyroglossal cysts depend on the extent of the condition and your overall health and fitness. These may include:
- antibiotics to treat infection
- surgery to remove the thyroglossal duct and cyst (known as the Sistrunk procedure), which is performed under general anaesthetic
Our Thyroglossal cyst locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.