Head and neck imaging: thyroglossal duct cyst: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Head and neck imaging: thyroglossal duct cyst

Sample item

A child has a midline anterior neck swelling that moves upward on tongue protrusion. Ultrasound shows a well-defined cystic structure near the hyoid bone. What is the diagnosis and the important preoperative check?

ABranchial cyst, with a check of the carotidBLymph node abscessCThyroglossal duct cyst, with confirmation that normal thyroid tissue is presentDDermoid in the submandibular region

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Thyroglossal duct cyst, with confirmation that normal thyroid tissue is present

A thyroglossal duct cyst is a remnant of the thyroid descent tract and lies in the midline at or below the hyoid. Ultrasound confirms a normal thyroid gland in the neck before excision with the Sistrunk procedure.

Option by option

A. Branchial cyst, with a check of the carotid
A branchial cyst lies laterally along the sternocleidomastoid.
B. Lymph node abscess
An abscess is inflamed and not a mobile cystic remnant.
C. Thyroglossal duct cyst, with confirmation that normal thyroid tissue is present (correct)
Correct. A midline cyst moving with tongue protrusion is a thyroglossal duct cyst.
D. Dermoid in the submandibular region
A submandibular dermoid is not typically midline and mobile with the tongue.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Thyroglossal duct cyst, with confirmation that normal thyroid tissue is present. A thyroglossal duct cyst is a remnant of the thyroid descent tract and lies in the midline at or below the hyoid.

Why is "Branchial cyst, with a check of the carotid" not the answer?

A branchial cyst lies laterally along the sternocleidomastoid.

Why is "Lymph node abscess" not the answer?

An abscess is inflamed and not a mobile cystic remnant.

Why is "Dermoid in the submandibular region" not the answer?

A submandibular dermoid is not typically midline and mobile with the tongue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck imaging: thyroglossal duct cyst in Radiology. Ultrasound confirms a normal thyroid gland in the neck before excision with the Sistrunk procedure.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Head and neck imaging: thyroglossal duct cyst?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.