Thyroglossal cysts can be defined as an irregular neck mass or a lump which develops from cells and tissues left over after the formation of the thyroid gland during developmental stages.

[1] Thyroglossal cysts are the most common cause of midline neck masses and are generally located caudal to (below) the hyoid bone.

Thyroglossal duct cysts most often present with a palpable asymptomatic midline neck mass usually below [65% of the time] the level of the hyoid bone.

[citation needed] The persistent duct or sinus can promote oral secretions, which may cause cysts to become infected.

Soft tissue swelling occurs, along with airway obstruction and trouble swallowing, due to the rapid enlargement of the cyst.

This is usually noticed when bleeding in the neck occurs, causing swelling and fluid ejection around the original wound of removal.

During embryonic development, the thyroid gland is being formed, beginning at the base of the tongue and moving towards the neck canal, known as the thyroglossal duct.

[1] The thyroglossal tract arises from the foramen cecum at the junction of the anterior two-thirds and posterior one-third of the tongue.

[citation needed] Diagnosis of a thyroglossal duct cyst requires a medical professional, and is usually done by a physical examination.

[1] Diagnostic procedures for a thyroglossal cyst include:[1] Clinical features can be found in the subhyoid portion of the tract and 75% present as midline swellings.

[citation needed] Surgical management options include the Sistrunk procedure, en bloc central neck dissection, suture-guided transhyoid pharyngotomy, and Koempel's supra-hyoid technique.