What is a likely diagnosis for a mass found in the anterior neck of a patient?

A mass located in the anterior neck can present as a cystic structure, and one of the common entities to consider in this area is a thyroglossal duct cyst. This type of cyst arises from the remnants of the thyroglossal duct, which is important in the embryonic development of the thyroid gland.

Typically, a thyroglossal duct cyst is found midline, but it can also be located slightly off-midline, particularly when there are associated anatomical variations. It is characterized by a smooth, mobile mass that may move when the patient swallows, as the cyst is connected to the muscle layers in the neck.

Patients may present with a painless neck mass, but it can become infected, leading to swelling and pain in some cases. Importantly, diagnosis is usually confirmed through the history and physical examination, rather than imaging, although ultrasound may help in distinguishing it from other structures.

In contrast, while a thyroid adenoma and follicular carcinoma may also manifest as neck masses, they typically present with solid masses arising from the thyroid tissue itself. A lingual thyroid, which occurs when the thyroid tissue is located at the base of the tongue, would not present in the anterior neck but rather in a more posterior location.