How Do You Spell THYROGLOSSAL CYSTS?

1. Thyroglossal cysts are fluid-filled sac-like lesions that develop in the neck due to abnormalities during the embryonic development of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland originates at the base of the tongue and moves down the neck to its normal position in front of the windpipe. In some cases, remnants of the gland's embryonic pathway remain, leading to the formation of thyroglossal cysts.

   These cysts are typically located near or midline to the hyoid bone and are usually painless, soft to touch, and moveable. They commonly appear as small, round or oval-shaped lumps beneath the skin in the front of the neck. The size of the cysts can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Thyroglossal cysts are more prevalent in children than in adults, with most cases appearing before the age of 20.

   Although most thyroglossal cysts are benign and asymptomatic, they can occasionally become infected, causing pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. If an infection occurs, it may result in the development of an abscess, which requires medical intervention.

   The most common treatment for thyroglossal cysts is surgical removal, referred to as a Sistrunk procedure. This procedure involves removing the cyst, along with a portion of the hyoid bone and any associated tracts or tissue to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

   In summary, thyroglossal cysts are abnormal fluid-filled sacs that form in the neck due to remnants of embryonic development of the thyroid gland. While usually benign and asymptomatic, they may occasionally cause infections and require surgical removal to prevent recurrence.

Common Misspellings for THYROGLOSSAL CYSTS

The term "thyroglossal cysts" is derived from two components: "thyro-" and "glossal".

- "Thyro-" is related to the thyroid gland, which is an endocrine gland located in the neck region. This term is derived from the Greek word "thyreoeidēs", meaning "shield-shaped", as the thyroid gland has a shape resembling a shield.

- "Glossal" refers to the tongue and is related to the Greek word "glōssa", meaning "tongue".

The term "cysts" refers to fluid-filled sacs or cavities.

Therefore, "thyroglossal cysts" specifically describes cysts or fluid-filled sacs that form along the path of embryonic development of the thyroid gland, which begins at the base of the tongue and extends down to its final location in the neck.