Thyroid Cyst

Epidemiology

Thyroid cysts are common lesions of the thyroid gland. These may be simple cysts, or they may arise due to cystic degeneration of a thyroid adenoma or nodule. True epithelial cysts are rare and the latter are more common. They occur in all age groups and show no sex predilection.

Clinical Findings

Simple thyroid cysts are usually asymptomatic. Infrequently, large cysts may produce slight fullness in the lower neck.

Pathology

Simple thyroid cysts are generally < 2 to 3 cm. They consist of mucinous, clear secretion lined by thyroid epithelium. Cysts that arise due to degeneration of a thyroid adenoma or nodule are often filled with brown, turbid fluid containing blood and cell debris.

Treatment