Thyroid Disease
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Learn more →Neck Cyst Diagnosis and Surgery in Istanbul
Congenital cysts noticed in childhood or adulthood — the right diagnosis, and surgery at the right time.
Who is this page for?
For adults who notice a soft, slowly growing or occasionally inflamed swelling in the neck; parents who notice a swelling in their child's neck; those diagnosed with a branchial cleft cyst, thyroglossal duct cyst or dermoid cyst; and those with suspected Eagle syndrome, which can bring a pricking sensation in the throat when swallowing and pain radiating to the ear.
Congenital cysts are benign; but because they can set the stage for recurring infections and are occasionally confused with other diagnoses, the right distinction matters.
What to expect at the examination
At the examination the lump is assessed by hand and with ultrasound; depending on the type of cyst, MRI or CT may be requested, and a fine-needle biopsy is performed if needed. In children, the assessment is planned together with the family, without tiring the child.
The definitive treatment is usually surgical removal of the cyst, leaving nothing behind — for a thyroglossal duct cyst this requires a particular technique to prevent recurrence. In Eagle syndrome the diagnosis is confirmed with imaging, and the options — including surgery on the elongated styloid process — are discussed with you.
Frequently asked questions
Is a neck cyst cancer?
Congenital neck cysts are benign. Even so, every newly noticed lump in the neck — particularly in adults — needs examination and imaging to be certain it truly is a cyst.
What should be done if the cyst becomes infected?
The infection is treated first; surgery is planned once the inflammation has settled. Recurring infections are, in themselves, a reason to remove the cyst.
When should we see a doctor about the swelling in our child's neck?
An examination is appropriate for any swelling that is newly noticed, growing or accompanied by redness. The assessment is tailored to the child, and ultrasound usually gives enough information.
What is Eagle syndrome?
It is a condition linked to a longer-than-usual styloid process at the base of the skull; it can show itself as a pricking feeling when swallowing, a foreign-body sensation in the throat and pain radiating to the ear. The diagnosis is made with examination and imaging; the treatment options are weighed individually for you.
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