Dr. Lam Thien Kim, a pediatric surgeon at Tam Anh General Hospital in TP HCM, reported that Hieu had a mucous cyst measuring 10 x 8 mm, with a stalk that was gradually enlarging. Fortunately, the cyst hadn't affected critical nearby structures like the lingual nerve (responsible for sensation and taste) or major blood vessels. However, if left untreated, it would continue to grow.

Doctors performed surgery to completely remove the cyst while preserving the tongue base structure and carefully avoiding rupturing the cyst wall to minimize recurrence risk. Post-surgery biopsy results confirmed the cyst was benign. Hieu was discharged the next day, with instructions to eat soft, easily swallowed foods, practice gentle oral hygiene, and rinse with an antiseptic solution.

A tongue base cyst results from abnormal cell growth at the base of the tongue, forming a lump. Benign cysts typically grow slowly, without invasion or metastasis, but significantly impact eating, speaking, and appearance. Malignant cysts can metastasize rapidly.

In children, the cause is often minor trauma to the mouth's floor, such as accidental biting or impact injury. Initial symptoms in children often include a sore throat and a feeling of obstruction, easily mistaken for common throat infections. Due to its location deep in the throat, the cyst often grows large before causing noticeable symptoms, leading to late-stage diagnosis.

The surgical team operating on the young patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The surgical team operating on the young patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Treatment typically involves tissue biopsy to determine if the cyst is benign or malignant. Treatment options depend on the stage, type of cyst, and the patient's overall health, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Dinh Lam

*The patient's name has been changed.