Thyroglossal duct cysts occur along the embryologic course of the thyroid’s descent from the tuberculum impar of the tongue base to its usual position in the low neck
Although they may occur at any age, they are most common before age 20
They present as a midline neck mass, often just below the hyoid bone, which moves with swallowing
Surgical excision is recommended to prevent recurrent infection
This requires removal of the entire fistulous tract along with the middle portion of the hyoid bone through which many of the fistulas pass
Preoperative evaluation should include a thyroid ultrasound to confirm anatomic position of the thyroid
