#Lump inside neck that moves skin

It is a benign cyst that usually contains mucous or even pus-like fluid. Thyroglossal duct cysts usually show up in the first ten years of life, but may be found in older children or even adults. The cyst usually lies in the middle of the neck in front of the “Adam’s Apple”. The cyst is connected to the back of the tongue by a small tract. Thyroglossal duct cysts are cysts that are left over when the thyroid migrates from the base of the tongue into the neck before birth. THYROGLOSSAL DUCT REMNANTS What are Thyroglossal Duct Cyst? The cyst and tract can then be safely removed at a later date. If the cyst has become infected (or formed an abscess) prior to removal, incision and drainage of the abscess may be necessary first, followed by treatment with antibiotics. Ear, nose and throat specialists have extensive training in surgery of the neck, making them the most qualified physicians for this type of surgery.

These operations usually last between one and two hours. Branchial cleft anomalies are usually removed as an outpatient procedure. Plastic surgery techniques are always used to close the incision.

#Lump inside neck that moves skin

Every effort is made to place the incision in an existing skin crease so that cosmetically the child’s scar will be minimal.

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia by making an incision over the cyst or draining area. Once an anomaly has been identified, treatment consists of surgically removing the cyst before it has a chance to get infected and become an abscess. This test will allow us to identify the exact location of the mass and/or tract as well as its relation to blood vessels and nerves in the neck. If your child has been diagnosed with a branchial cleft anomaly, many times the physician will order a CT scan (cat scan). A first branchial cleft anomaly is more unusual and may be involved with the nerve that moves the facial muscles (Facial nerve). There are three kinds of branchial cleft anomalies. It is important to understand this relationship so that the entire tract can be excised and will not recur. The tracts connect the cyst to the inside of the throat at a specific area. Because these anomalies develop in the growing embryo, any tract that forms in combination with a cyst follows a fairly predictable pattern. They can appear in any age group yet are very common in the first decade of life. These anomalies appear as a soft lump or draining opening on one side of the neck. BRANCHIAL CLEFT ANOMALY What are Branchial Cleft Anomalies?īranchial cleft fistulas (tracts) and cysts (called anomalies) are found in the neck and are composed of tissue trapped in the developing neck.

Hemangiomas (blood vessel abnormalities)Įach of these causes will be discussed in detail below as well as Deep Neck Infections.

Thyroglossal duct remnants (like cysts).

Branchial Cleft Anomalies (abnormalities).

The most common congenital masses that are treated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist are: What are the types of congenital neck masses?Ĭongenital neck masses can take many forms. Although the neck abnormality is present since birth, the resulting lump may not appear until much later in life. Congenital Neck Masses What is a congenital neck mass?Ī congenital neck mass is a growth that is present at birth and slowly becomes noticeable to the patient or family.