Large cyst on my thyroid

[Dogpark]

Hi everyone,

I am new here and looking for advice! Last week I suddenly developed what looked like a new goitre and I went for a scan yesterday. It was a very large benign cyst, full of liquid, which the doctor emptied with a needle on the spot. He told me that the cyst is likely to fill up with liquid again later on. Has anyone had a similar experience and did they manage to treat this condition longer term?

[Katp]

I developed thyroid cyst about 15 years ago and had it drained. It came back about 5 years later and I had it drained again. I was warned it would probably continue to do this and they could either keep draining it or I could have it removed, but I'd be left with a nasty scar on my neck. I decided if it only came back every 5 years I'd just keep having it drained. It had a funny do a couple of years ago where it kept coming and going over a few months, then suddenly disappeared completely. Even after draining it you could still see and feel it when I swallowed, but I can't feel it at all now so I'm hoping it's gone. The procedure itself was quite quick and straightforward and it's uncomfortable rather than painful.

[Dogpark in reply to Katp]

Thanks Kate that's super helpful. Yes, my cyst was drained and I can still see some tiny little volume there especially when I swallow, let's see how this evolves. I agree that if it's only every few years it's better to have it drained. The consultant mentioned that it could come back very quickly so let's see. Were you ever given an explanation as to why you developed this cyst?

[Katp in reply to Dogpark]

No idea why, I just thought it was one of those things, but I do wonder now if some people are just more predisposed to cysts than others. I've lost count of the number of ovarian cysts I've had and I've had to have a breast cyst drained too. My Dad has also had several cysts removed so I do wonder if there is a genetic element to it.

[Dogpark in reply to Katp]

It's my first cyst but my mom has a goitre and was born in a part of the world where there is a prevalence of various thyroid conditions, so I do think there is a hereditary part to it, but, could this also be linked to a viral infection for instance?