What is the Difference Between Thyroglossal Cyst and Goitre?

The main difference between a thyroglossal cyst and a goitre lies in their formation, location, and movement with respect to tongue and swallowing movements.

Thyroglossal Cyst:

• Formed from a persistent thyroglossal duct.
• Presents as a midline neck lump, typically smooth and cystic.
• Moves with the movement of the tongue.
• Most common location is midline or slightly off midline, between the isthmus of the thyroid and the hyoid bone or just above the hyoid bone.

Goitre:

• Formed due to swelling of the thyroid gland.
• Presents as a lump at the front of the neck.
• Moves with swallowing.
• Located in the front part of the neck.

In summary, a thyroglossal cyst is a rare cyst in the throat that forms from the persistent thyroglossal duct and moves with the movement of the tongue, while a goitre is a lump at the front of the neck due to a swollen thyroid gland and moves with swallowing.

Comparative Table: Thyroglossal Cyst vs Goitre

Here is a table comparing the differences between thyroglossal cyst and goitre:

Thyroglossal cyst is a rare cyst in the throat that forms from the persistent thyroglossal duct, while goitre is a lump at the front of the neck due to a swollen thyroid gland. Thyroglossal cyst moves with the movement of the tongue, whereas thyroid gland enlargement or goitre moves with swallowing.