Neck: thyroglossal cyst: practice question

A ENT 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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ENT · Neck: thyroglossal cyst

Sample item

A 7-year-old has a painless midline neck swelling below the hyoid that moves upward on protruding the tongue. What is the definitive operation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Sistrunk's operation

A thyroglossal cyst arises along the thyroglossal tract, which passes through or near the hyoid body. Sistrunk's operation removes the cyst, tract and the central part of the hyoid bone to prevent recurrence.

Option by option

  • A. Incision and drainage

    Drainage is reserved for infected cysts.

  • B. Aspiration alone

    Aspiration recurs.

  • C. Sistrunk's operation (correct)

    Correct. Sistrunk's operation includes the hyoid body.

  • D. Simple excision of the cyst

    Simple excision leaves the tract and recurs.

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.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Sistrunk's operation. A thyroglossal cyst arises along the thyroglossal tract, which passes through or near the hyoid body.

Why is "Incision and drainage" not the answer?

Drainage is reserved for infected cysts.

Why is "Aspiration alone" not the answer?

Aspiration recurs.

Why is "Simple excision of the cyst" not the answer?

Simple excision leaves the tract and recurs.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neck: thyroglossal cyst in ENT. Sistrunk's operation removes the cyst, tract and the central part of the hyoid bone to prevent recurrence.

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 Neck: thyroglossal cyst?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT 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.