A cyst in the front of the neck.
An abnormality present at birth that produces a swelling in the neck. In a developing fetus, a small channel be¬ tween the thyroid gland and the tongue is meant to close as the fetus grows. If this channel or parts of it remain in place or remain open when the infant is born, an abnormal channel between the thyroid gland and the tongue is created. A cyst can form around the channel, and the cyst causes swelling. If the thyroglossal cyst becomes infected, it can lead to formation of a thyroglossal fistula (abnormal passage between the cyst and the neck). Because of the chance of repeated infections, a cyst or fistula should be surgically removed.