The thyroglossal duct is a persistent remnant of the embryologic descending tract of the thyroid gland from the floor of the pharynx to its final position in the neck. Cysts of the thyroglossal duct occur most frequently in the midline.

The thyroid gland's exact location must be determined before surgery, as aberrant ectopic thyroid tissue may be mistaken for a thyroglossal cyst.

Excision of the thyroslossal duct cyst should be performed at diagnosis using the Sistrunk technique.