Figure 1 Image of the Week #4
Michael Macias
A 6 year old male presents with swelling over the midline of the neck for the past 2 days. The swelling is non tender and moves with swallowing. What is the diagnosis?
Pondering.
Answer.
Image of the Week - Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
This patient has a Thyroglossal Duct Cyst. These cysts often form in
childhood and are caused by cystic expansion of the remnant of the tract
that forms as the thyroid gland descends from the tongue base to the
neck. Often, these cysts are small, asymptomatic, and go untreated.
Location is key in pediatric neck masses
See more cases like this on Figure 1.
Photo credit: Figure 1 Medical Images/Abdul Mukaddem Mashud