page_title: Thyroglossal cyst
section_title: Diagnosis
hierarchical_section_title: Thyroglossal cyst / Diagnosis
caption_attribution_description: English: Ultrasound images of thyroglossal duct cyst
context_page_description: A thyroglossal cyst is a fibrous cyst that forms from a persistent thyroglossal duct. Thyroglossal cysts can be defined as an irregular neck mass or a lump which develops from cells and tissues left over after the formation of the thyroid gland during developmental stages.
  Thyroglossal cysts are the most common cause of midline neck masses and are generally located caudal to the hyoid bone. These neck masses can occur anywhere along the path of the thyroglossal duct, from the base of the tongue to the suprasternal notch.Other common causes of midline neck masses include lymphadenopathy, dermoid cysts, and various odontogenic anomalies.
  Thyroglossal cysts develop at birth. Many diagnostic procedures may be used to establish the degree of the cyst.
context_section_description: Diagnosis of a thyroglossal duct cyst requires a medical professional, and is usually done by a physical examination.  It is important to identify whether or not the thyroglossal cyst contains any thyroid tissue, as it can define the degree of cyst that is being dealt with.
  Diagnostic procedures for a thyroglossal cyst include:
caption: Ultrasound image of thyroglossal duct cyst
exif: {"Image Software": "Photomatix Pro 4.2.7 (64-bit)"}