Associated symptoms of a neck cyst

Depending on whether it is a medial or lateral cyst of the neck, the swelling is located in the middle of the neck or laterally. In the case of a medial cyst, thyroid duct cysts may extend to the base of the tongue. When swallowing, the swelling moves along with the swallowing movement.

If there is no inflammation, a cyst may be free of symptoms or only cause a slight feeling of pressure in the neck area. If a cyst becomes inflamed, it can lead to redness, fever and severe pain. Swelling is also observed in lateral cysts of the neck.

It can happen that lateral cysts have a connection to the palatal tonsil in the pharynx. If this is the case, the cyst can swell considerably and be painfully enlarged in cases of sore throat. Bacterial inflammation in the throat can spread to the cyst and may lead to suppuration. This can lead to an abscess and may cause fever and difficulty swallowing. This could also be interesting for you: Throat abscess – it is so dangerous!

Surgery of a neck cyst

In the therapy of neck cysts, complete surgical removal is the goal, since the cysts do not disappear by themselves and inflammation can occur at any time. Before an operation, a thyroid examination should be performed to ensure that no thyroid tissue lying in an unusual position is injured or removed during the operation. If a cyst is inflamed, a prior puncture of the fluid may be useful.

With the removed fluid, an examination for bacterial pathogens can be performed and the appropriate antibiotic can be given. Once the inflammation has healed, the cyst can be removed surgically. The operation can be performed either under local or general anesthesia.

In case of lateral cysts, which have a connection to the palatal tonsils, the tonsils should also be removed. In the case of medial neck cysts, it may be necessary to remove part of the bony hyoid bone as well, if the cyst continues through a duct to this point. If there is a cyst with fistula (connection to the skin surface), both must be removed completely.After the operation, a tube (drainage) is usually inserted into the operating area to allow blood and wound fluid to drain away.

The tube can usually be removed after a few days. Complications of an operation can be postoperative bleeding and wound healing disorders. Furthermore, nerves in the neck area can be injured.