Objective: To review our experience with thyroglossal cysts outlining
the clinical features as well as aspects of histology and management.
Design: A retrospective study. Setting: Qatif Central Hospital, Divisi
on of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery and Department of Patho
logy. Subjects: The subjects were 49 patients: 29 females and 20 males
(F:M of 1.5:1). Mean age 15.4 years (range 11 months- 56 years). Resu
lts: Thirteen had thyroglossal sinus, 2 presented with thyroglossal ab
scess and later thyroglossal sinus, 27 had thyroglossal cyst and 7 tur
ned out to have other diagnosis. Of those with thyroglossal cysts 74%
were below the hyoid bone, 22% suprahyoid and 3.7% over the hyoid bone
. Five of the thyroglossal cysts were away from the midline. Histology
revealed epithelial linings in 27 out of 37 studied cases and no epit
helial lining in 10. Thyroid follicles were seen in 21 patients and sa
livary gland tissue in 4. There were 2 minor wound infections and 3 re
currences. Infection was the main reason for recurrence. Conclusion: T
hyroglossal cysts are the commonest midline neck swellings in the pedi
atric age group. To minimize complications and recurrence in particula
r any lesion whose presentation is typical of a thyroglossal cyst shou
ld be treated early with Sistrunk's operation.