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Thyroglossal Duct Cyst diagnosis at age 61
Hi -- Has anyone here been diagnosed with a thryroglossal duct cyst as an older adult, and if so, how was it treated?
Very curious that it never bothered me until about 2-3 years ago. They are usually caught in early childhood. I had a feeling of fullness in my throat -- almost a choking sensation. I actually thought it was from grief over my mother's passing -- y'know, that "lump in the throat" feeling. My PCP ordered a CT scan with contrast and they estimated it was pretty large. The ENT she recommended seemed a bit too anxious to schedule surgery even though he agreed it was not dangerous -- just probably annoying. He explained how they would have to take out not just the cyst and nearby tissue, but also "break the hyoid bone to keep it from coming back." In describing the surgery he said something that bothered me -- that a younger female patient declined the surgery because it would leave a two inch scar across her neck and he rolled his eyes. That, and the 2 week recovery period made me also rethink getting the surgery right away.
Fast forward two years and the cyst feels larger and is often painful, particularly at night or when swallowing or just tilting my head down a certain way. Also, I have to clear my throat very frequently as I often have a bit of thick mucous stuck in there which is very persistent. It is worse in the morning. My PCP also agrees that this could be what is causing or worsening my obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
Recently I read about a non-surgical treatment for TGDCs that uses ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (sclerotherapy) to inject alcohol to shrink the cyst. It is minimally invasive, scarless, cost-effective, and done as an out-patient procedure with a quick recovery time. It has a 15% chance of recurrence, but I don't think that's much worse than the surgery. Sometimes a second treatment is necessary.
I saw my PCP again today and she is looking for another ENT and hopefully one that can use the ethanol ablation. Thoughts?
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Hello. About 1.5 months ago I was on vacation when I noticed a marble shaped lump that moved up and down when I swallowed. It was not midline, but off to my right side. Of course it bothered me and scared me. As soon as I got home I saw my PCP. He didn't know what it was and ordered an Ultra sound, then a CAT scan and then a MRI. He then referred me to an ENT doc. I got in right away as the clerk said people with issues with the neck and have something growing fast get seen right away. My ENT doc explained that I had a Thyroglossal duct cyst. BTW I am 69 years young. She went over what it was, treatment options, possible complications from surgery and also what monitoring might look like. I was comfortable having the surgery, especially since this grew very fast and what my age is. I am also in very good health, as compared to my same aged peers. The doctor did not push me in any direction, just gave me info. and answered my questions. Next, she tells me she can't do the surgery, as she is having a surgery herself and is going to be off work. (That was my biggest surprise.) I was then assigned a senior ENT doc. on staff who met with me. Again, he was very careful to talk about the cyst, possible outcomes, problems after surgery etc. I was very impressed with his conservative presentation. The ENT then had me see my PCP for a full look over to see if I was a good candidate for surgery. I also had blood taken, as well as an EKG. Just now my bloodwork came back as 100% wonderful. My doctor told me that he is going to write a letter to the Surgical ENT and tell him I am good to go for the surgery. BTW I will have 2 surgeons work on me as a team. The Surgical ENT said it is an efficent and safe way to proceed. My surgery is scheduled for about 3 weeks from now... Aug. 21, 2026. I will have a drain put in place and I believe I will have a short stay overnight. I know you understand all of this, but for outsiders this is a rare event for a super senior. Only 1-2% of these kinds of cysts present in the 6th decade of life. The studies I have seen on seniors is limited. The biggest one I saw was on Sub-Saharan patients. That being said after surgery I will have a couple follow up visits. Drain out, sutures out and the last one to go over the pathology report (to let me know if cancer is present), but I know that is RARE, which is wonderful! Anyhow, I was interested in reading your letter and thought I would reply. I do not have any other health conditions, other than super well treated Asthma. I have not had an Asthma attack in years. Wishing you the best!