Multilocular cervical thymic cysts in adults. A report of two cases and review of the literature.
Cervical thymic cysts are rare benign lesions that are hardly ever considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic neck masses. In the vast majority of cases, thymic cysts are found in infants and children. This article illustrates two cases of multilocular cervical thymic cysts in adults presenting as asymptomatic swellings in the neck. The clinical presentation, evaluation, surgical management and pathological findings are described. The possible pathogenesis as an acquired disease is reviewed and discussed. The authors recommend that, despite its rare occurrence, multilocular cervical thymic cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all equivocal cases of unilateral cystic neck masses in adults.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany. ridder@hno.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Gerd Jürgen
GJ
Ridder
Carsten Christof
CC
Boedeker
Astrid Christine
AC
Kersten
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008476:Mediastinal Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D014463:Ultrasonography