Cervical thymic cyst in an adult

Area of Science:

• Head and Neck Surgery
• Endocrinology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Cervical thymic cysts (CTCs) are rare congenital anomalies, accounting for only 1% of cystic cervical masses.
• Diagnosis of CTCs in adults is exceptionally uncommon, posing diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of cervical thymic cyst in an adult female.
• To discuss the diagnostic considerations and management of this infrequent condition.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 34-year-old female with a progressively growing neck swelling.
• Diagnostic workup included neck ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Surgical excision followed by histopathological examination.

Main Results:

• US revealed a large, septated cystic lesion compressing adjacent vessels.
• MRI confirmed the cystic nature and extent of the lesion.
• Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a cervical thymic cyst.

Conclusions:

• Cervical thymic cysts in adults are extremely rare, with limited reported cases.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on integrating clinical presentation, advanced imaging (US, MRI), surgical findings, and histopathology.
• CTCs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lateral neck swellings, particularly in younger patients.