A thyroglossal duct cyst may be relatively innocuous, but occasionally it may become significant if complications occur.
Many patients present with a midline cyst or mass in the anterior neck.
Complications may include:
(1) infection
(2) midline fistula (which may drain internally or externally)
(3) hoarseness
(4) dysphagia
(5) airway obstruction with asphyxia and sudden death, especially in infants
(6) carcinoma (adenosquamous, papillary, other), some of which may be thyroid carcinomas
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Specialty: Otolaryngology
