Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast. My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going

to be talking to you about Thyroglossal cysts. And if you want to follow along with written

notes on this topic, you can follow along at zero definals.com slash thyroglossal cyst or in the

E&T section of the Zero Definals Pediatrics book.

So let's get straight into it.

During fetal development, the thyroid gland starts at the base of the tongue.

From here it gradually travels down the neck to the final position in front of the trachea beneath the larynx.

It leaves a track behind it as it travels, called the thyroglossal duct, which then disappears.

When part of the thyrgyroglossal duct persists, it can give rise to a fluid-filled cyst,

and this is called a thyraglossal cyst.

Ectopic thyroid tissue is a key differential diagnosis,

as this commonly causes a lump in a similar location.

The main complication is infection of the thyroglochal cyst,

causing a hot, tender and painful lump.

So what are the features?

Thyraglossal cysts cause a lump in the midline of the neck.

They are mobile, non-tender, soft and fluctuant.

Theroglossal cysts move up and down with the movement of the tongue,

and this is a key feature that demonstrates a midline neck lump is a thyrogroglossal cysts move up and down with the movement of the tongue, and this is a key feature that demonstrates a midline necklump is a thyroglossal cyst.

This occurs due to the connection between the thyrgyroglossal duct and the base of the tongue.

A tom tip for you, it's worth remembering the key feature of thyrgyllosal cysts

is that they move with the movement

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