Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are embryological remnants that fail to regress after fetal descent of the thyroid gland. TGDCs are by far the most common cervical malformation in children. TGDCs typically present in childhood, with a median age of 5.6 years, as midline, painless, soft masses. There is no sex predominance. At least half of childhood cases present when the TGDC is complicated by infection, in which case the cysts may be painful. Cysts may rarely cause life-threatening airway obstruction.