Etymed
thyroglossal duct cyst
Definition
A congenital cyst that forms along the thyroglossal duct, typically containing fluid and located in the midline of the neck near the base of the tongue
Clinical context
A 3-year-old child presents with a painless, midline neck mass that moves upward when swallowing or sticking out the tongue. The mass is smooth and non-tender, and the patient has no history of recent infection or trauma. On examination, the cyst is mobile with the tongue and does not fluctuate in size with swallowing.
Mnemonic
Tongue moves, cyst moves - thyroglossal duct cyst is midline and moves with tongue protrusion