Foregut duplication cysts in the head and neck: presentation, diagnosis, and management.
OBJECTIVE
To review the presentation, diagnosis, and management of foregut duplication cysts of the head and neck in our institution.


METHODS
An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of all patients treated for foregut duplication cysts of the head and neck over an 18-year period.


METHODS
Pediatric otolaryngology tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Twenty-two patients with 23 pathologically confirmed foregut duplication cysts of the head and neck were identified. Fourteen patients (64%) were male. The median age at diagnosis was 1.5 years (age range, 5 days to 7 years).


METHODS
Clinical data, including age, presenting symptoms, anatomical site(s), evaluation, treatment, and complication, were recorded and analyzed.


RESULTS
Presentation varied depending on anatomical site of involvement, with 12 patients (55%) being asymptomatic. The cysts were found in the oral cavity (n = 12), oropharynx (n = 6), supraglottis (n = 2), and neck (n = 3). Imaging, which was performed in 13 patients and consisted of magnetic resonance imaging (n = 8), computed tomography (n = 5), and ultrasonography (n = 1), demonstrated the cystic nature of the lesions. All patients underwent surgical excision, which focused on excising the cyst, while preserving surrounding normal tissues. No patient demonstrated recurrence at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Foregut duplication cysts of the head and neck, although uncommon, should be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic head and neck lesions. Preoperative imaging is recommended to differentiate these lesions from other congenital head and neck masses. Surgical excision biopsy with complete removal of the mucosal lining is curative, with no instances of recurrence in our series.
Kieran
Stephen M
SM
Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Disorders, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. skieran@rcsi.ie
Robson
Caroline D
CD
Nosé
Vânia
V
Rahbar
Reza
R
D001994:Bronchogenic Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002828:Choristoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004064:Digestive System; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies