Thyroglossal cyst

x3_mom · Jul 23, 2004

Have any of you ever heard of this? My son was diagnosed in May after I noticed a lump on his throat. The doctor was going to wait until he is older (he is 4) to perform surgery, but, it is getting bigger. He's with my husband in Bradenton FL and hubby says it looks like it's split in two and falling towards the right side of his throat. The last time I saw it, it looked bigger and slid more to the bottom of his throat...that a month ago. He is not having any trouble breathing or swallowing at this time, though.
So, what does the surgery to remove it entail?
I posted this in pediatric nursing, as well.
Thanks.

Michelle, this is a fairly common disorder, it is caused in utero, when the track from the thyroid duct to the outside of the neck. The surgeon makes a small incision and follows the tract as far as he can. He will tie off the duct to prevent recurrence, and close. We have performed this procedure on many children and prefer to do so early so that the cyst does not continue to grow. Our patients range from 4 months to 4 years.

Hope this helps.

michelle95 · Jul 23, 2004

Thanks.

What's the chance of recurrence when they have surgery young? That's partly why his doctor didn't want to do it yet. He wanted him to get bigger so he (doc) would have a better chance of getting all of it.

x3_mom · Jul 23, 2004

Thanks.
What's the chance of recurrence when they have surgery young? That's partly why his doctor didn't want to do it yet. He wanted him to get bigger so he (doc) would have a better chance of getting all of it.

If you have a good surgeon then the chances are slim of recurrence.

michelle95 · Jul 23, 2004

Thanks a bunchies. Of course, you know I'm worried. :rolleyes: