Thyroglossal and branchial cleft cysts and sinuses Symposium on Head and Neck Surgery II

Cysts of the neck are usually congenital, with either thyroglossal or branchial cleft origin. The diagnosis is made on the bases of the physical findings. Because of their strong tendency to become infected, it is wise to excise these lesions when diagnosed. It is essential to operate when infection is absent, and preferably before it occurs. To avoid frequent recurrence of the thyroglossal duct cyst, it is essential to perform a Sistrunk type of operation-excising hyoid bone with the cyst and coring muscle with the duct to the base of the tongue. In both of these entities, total excision of the tracts is essential to minimize the likelihood of recurrence.