Neck Cysts

A lump noticed in the neck is often a cause for worry; yet a considerable share of these lumps are benign cysts formed from tissue remnants left behind during development in the womb. Branchial cleft cysts, thyroglossal duct cysts and dermoid cysts are the most common types in this group. Although present from birth, most are noticed in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood, when they enlarge and become obvious after an upper respiratory tract infection.

The pages in this section explain in plain language how congenital neck cysts form, in which part of the neck they sit and how they are told apart from one another. Separate pages cover how the diagnosis is made by examination, ultrasound and, when needed, further imaging; why the cyst must be removed together with the duct or tract it arises from; and what recovery after surgery involves and what to watch for.

Eagle syndrome, which causes throat and neck pain and difficulty swallowing, and which can be confused with cysts although it has a different cause, is also included in this section. The aim is that anyone thinking of seeing a doctor about a lump or unexplained pain in the neck knows in advance which diagnostic and treatment steps to expect.