Low-lying thyroglossal duct cyst with lateral cervical discharge masquerading as a second branchial cleft fistula: a case report.

The diagnosis of a thyroglossal duct cyst is often apparent when it presents with typical findings. We report a case of a 6 year-old girl with a low-lying thyroglossal duct cyst presenting with recurrent lateral cervical discharge without palpable mass, thus mimicking a second branchial cleft fistula. CT scan differentiated the lesion from a second branchial cleft fistula, and a standard Sistrunk procedure cured the lesion. In patients who show lateral cervical discharge without definite mass, therefore mimicking a second branchial cleft fistula, a low-lying thyroglossal duct cyst should be considered.