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The cyst of the thyroglossal duct is a congenital anomaly that occurs mainly in children up to 5 years of age without excluding its occurrence in adults as well.

It originates from the thyroglossal duct from the development of which the thyroid is created. If all or part of the duct remains, the thyroglossal duct cyst appears. Cells trapped along the duct secrete mucus and thus the cyst is created.

The cyst is rarely noticed unless there is a pre-existing infection.

It is located in the midline of the cervix as a swelling just above the thyroid gland.

When there is inflammation, its contents become pus and the cyst becomes painful to palpation and the child may develop a fever.

The pus from the cyst is usually drained either by creating a fistula to the skin or by surgical opening.

The feature of the cyst that helps in the differential diagnosis is that it moves with the swallowing movements and with the movements of the tongue.

The treatment of the cyst consists in its surgical removal.