Cysts and fistulas of the neck median

Cysts and fistulas of the neck of the median arise from the remnants of the thyroid-lingual duct. On the middle line between the root of the tongue (blind hole) and the isthmus of the thyroid gland is a dense, painless, mobile formation. More often it is located directly above the larynx, displaces when swallowing. After infection, a permanent or recurrent fistula with a mucopurulent discharge is formed. The fistula is full (has two holes, the inner opening is at the root of the tongue) or incomplete (the inner opening is obliterated at the level of the hyoid bone or inside it). In a third of cases, cysts and fistulas appear before the age of 10 years.

To diagnose the nature and course of the fistula, fistulography is used. Differential diagnosis is carried out with atheroma, cystic cord of the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland, laryngocele.

Treatment operative. It is shown in children at any size of a cyst, in adults, with a size of more than 1 cm. Fistulas are an absolute indication for surgery. Produce a radical excision of the cyst and fistula up to the root of the tongue together with the body of the hyoid bone. The prognosis is favorable.