Shop Plans
Health
Find a Health Plan
We offer a complete choice of plans to meet your coverage needs and fit your budget.
More Plans
Travel
Cancer
VIP
Dental
Get a Dental Plan
We offer three Traditional plans and three Certified plans to meet your needs.
Medicare
Pick a Medicare Plan
Thinking about your Medicare options? Find out which plan is right for you.
Find Doctor or Drug
Find a Doctor
Find a Doctor or Drug
Pick a directory to search or find other helpful information about drug resources, quality programs and more.
Directories
Louisiana Provider Directory
Quality Blue Directory
National Provider Directory
BlueDental Advantage Plus Directory
Davis Vision Directory
Hospital Based Physicians
ER/OR Information
Are you planning a hospital stay? If you just found out that you need surgery, or if you will be admitted to a hospital or ambulatory surgical center for any reason, you will most likely receive some care during your stay from a hospital-based physician. Learn more.
Other Directories
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core
Federal Employee Program (FEP)
Rx Drug Resources
Manage your medicine, find drug lists and learn how to save money.
Quality Programs
Quality Blue Programs
We work with doctors, hospitals and clinics around Louisiana to make sure you have a better healthcare experience.
Save Money
$25 Gym Memberships
Find a Gym
For just $25 a month and a $25 enrollment fee, you'll have access to 9,000 participating fitness locations around the state and nation.
More Money-Saving Tips
Find Discounts
Lower Drug Costs
Preventive Care Services
Primary Care Doctor
Pick a Primary Care Doctor
Picking a primary care doctor is an important step to staying healthy and saving money.
Choose the Right Care
Where you and go and who you see for treatment is a big part of getting quality healthcare while saving money.
Wellness
Discounts
Get discounts on gym memberships, fitness gear, healthy eating, prescriptions and more.
More Wellness Tips
Tools
Member Programs
Find a Program
Whether you want to quit smoking or find the right doctor, we have many programs to help.
Wellness Library
Learn About Wellness
Read articles, take quizzes, watch videos and listen to podcasts about many health topics.
Learn
Insurance 101
Learn the Basics
Understand your plan, learn about health savings accounts, and watch helpful videos.
Social
Find Us on Social Media
Join the conversation and stay connected with us for exclusive content.
Straight Talk
Get Straight Answers
If you're looking for a straight answer to your healthcare questions, this is the place.
My Account
My Account Information
Claims
Benefits
Costs
Statements
Pharmacy
Manage Account
Manage Your Account
Pay your bill, view your statements or update your email or password.
Forms
Other Coverage Questionnaire
Authorized Delegate
Health Assessment
A thyroglossal duct cyst is a pocket in the front part of neck that is filled with fluid. A child may be born with this cyst. It is formed from leftover tissue from the development of the thyroid gland when an embryo was forming. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. It is part of the hormone-producing glands called the endocrine system.
Although the cyst is present at birth, it is often not found until a child is at least age 2. Often a healthcare provider finds a thyroglossal cyst when a child gets an upper respiratory infection.
The thyroid gland forms during the early stages in the development of an embryo. It begins at the base of the tongue and moves down the neck through a channel or tube (thyroglossal duct). This duct normally goes away once the thyroid reaches its final position in the neck. Sometimes part of the duct remains. This leaves a pocket called a cyst.
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. The most common include:
A small, soft, round lump in the center front of the neck
Tenderness, redness, and swelling of the lump, if infected
Trouble swallowing or breathing
The symptoms of a thyroglossal duct cyst can seem like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
A thyroglossal cyst is often diagnosed when your child’s healthcare provider examines your child. The provider will often advise that your child see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT or otolaryngologist). Or the provider may refer you to another healthcare provider with experience in thyroglossal duct cysts. Your child may need tests such as:
Blood tests. These tests check the thyroid gland function.
Ultrasound exam. Sound waves are used to check the cyst and thyroid gland.
CT scan of the neck. X-rays and a computer are used to look at the neck, including the cyst and thyroid gland. Contrast dye is used to get better images.
Fine needle aspiration. A small needle is used to remove cells from the cyst for diagnosis.
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
Your child’s healthcare provider will regularly check your child’s cyst. Treatment may include:
Antibiotic medicine
Cutting into and draining the cyst, if antibiotic medicine doesn’t get rid of the infection
Cutting out the cyst and some nearby tissue (surgical excision). This is the most common treatment.
Injecting a substance to remove the cyst, if a child can’t have surgery
Complications of a thyroglossal duct cyst may include:
Blocking the upper airway
Serious or returning infection
Presence of cancer cells, but this is uncommon
A thyroglossal duct cyst is a pocket in the front part of neck that is filled with fluid. A child is born with this cyst.
It is formed from leftover tissue from the development of the thyroid gland when an embryo is forming.
Although the cyst is present at birth, it is often not found until a child is at least age 2.
A thyroglossal duct cyst is often diagnosed when your child's healthcare provider examines your child.
Treatment may include antibiotic medicine to treat any infection or surgery to remove the cyst.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.