Cervical thymic cysts

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2017
Source:Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Author(s): Hongzhao Ji, Eric Gantwerker
Thymic cysts are rarely occurring benign neck masses, most frequently seen in children. They are remnants of the 3^rd and 4^th branchial pouches. They may occur at any point along the thymic tract, though they have a predilection for the left side of the neck, often deep in the neck. Patients often present with compressive symptoms. Treatment is surgical excision. Care must be taken, however, to confirm the presence of thoracic thymic tissue prior to excision this neck lesion. On histology, they are defined by the presence of thymic parenchyma and Hassal corpuscles in the cyst wall.



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