Studies done on cadavers claim<unk> s can be completely asymptomatic and found in 7% of the human adult population. However, the continued presence of the duct can often lead to complications due to infections and fluid buildup. The glands in the mucosa of the duct will continue their secretions until the fluid forms a cyst or exit the duct via the opening in the foramen cecum. Local infections, such as colds, tonsillitis, or inflammation of the lymph nodes in the area can also lead to the accumulation of fluid within the duct. Even if the cyst forms as secondary to another infection and improved after antibiotics, it will often reoccur and require treatment. Example of<unk>  duct cyst. Three-fourths of abnormalities within a<unk>  involve the formation of a cyst. If a<unk>  becomes fluid filled it will form a<unk>  duct cyst, which accounts for 70% of congenital neck masses and is the most likely diagnosis if the mass is along the midline of the neck. These cysts are often diagnosed in children under the age of ten and have no particular gender prevalence. The cysts are normally asymptomatic at this age and are noticed because of the swelling that will move if the patient swallows. Over 80% of these cysts are located at or below the hyoid bone. Very rarely, the<unk>  duct can become cancerous, called<unk>  duct carcinoma. In the case of<unk>  duct carcinoma, the cancerous cells are ectopic thyroid tissue that has been deposited along the<unk>  duct and will present as a papillary carcinoma. However, the cells are less likely to metastasize in the cyst, than if they were present in the actual thyroid gland. The other fourth of abnormalities presents as draining abscess. This is from an infection that will rupture through the skin to allow for adequate drainage of the infected area.
Persistent thyroglossal duct
Tracheal agenesis
Salivary gland atresia
Patulous Eustachian tube
Salivary gland aplasia
Salivary gland hypoplasia
Laryngeal cleft
Omphalomesenteric duct cyst