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Why does this seemingly harmless neck lump affect your breathing and swallowing?
As people pay more attention to their health, many physical abnormalities that we usually take for granted may hide major health risks, among which neck lumps are an issue that needs urgent attention. If these lumps are not paid attention to, they may affect normal breathing and swallowing, causing a significant decline in the patient's quality of life. Among the many neck lumps, thyroglossal cyst is particularly common, but people are relatively less aware of it.
Thyroglossal cysts form from leftover thyroid duct tissue from embryonic development. These lumps may seem harmless on the surface, but over time they may cause a range of health problems.
What is a thyroglossal cyst?
A thyroglossal cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that usually occurs in the midline from the base of the tongue to the front of the neck. These cysts are caused by remnant thyroid duct tissue that forms during embryonic development. While most thyroglossal cysts are present at birth, some are not diagnosed until adulthood. According to statistics, up to 50% of onyoglossal cysts are discovered in adults.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptom of a thyroglossal cyst is a lump in the neck, usually painless, located in the middle of the neck below the tongue. The lump moves when you swallow or stick out your tongue because of its connection to the tongue. While the lump usually does not cause any bother, in some cases it can grow larger and cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
If the cyst becomes infected, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as neck pain and fever, and may even lead to a guilty conscience that it may be cancer.
Possible complications
If a thyroglossal cyst is not treated, it may lead to several complications. The most common ones include:
- Infection: Untreated thyroglossal cysts may become infected, which can cause swelling in the neck and difficulty breathing and swallowing.
- Onygoglossal fistula: If a cyst ruptures, a onygoglossal fistula may form, which is a type of fistula that contains fluid and is often accompanied by bleeding.
- Cancer: Although very rare, cancer may develop in a thyroglossal cyst and this requires special attention and investigation.
Diagnostic Methods
A thyroglossal cyst is diagnosed primarily through a physical examination by a medical professional, with further examination to determine if there is accompanying thyroid tissue. Your doctor may order imaging tests to confirm the nature of the cyst and its location.
Treatment methods
Although most thyroglossal cysts are benign, patients may require surgery if swallowing or breathing problems occur. The most common surgery is the Sistrunk procedure, which removes not only the cyst but also the thyroid duct connected to it.
The surgery has a 95% success rate and is often considered the first choice of treatment for patients with recurring episodes.
Conclusion
Although the thyroglossal cyst is small, its potential risks cannot be underestimated. Smoky doubts are often hidden in a small lump. Do we really understand the potential threats of those abscesses that are dressed in harmless clothes?
