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Ectopic Cervical Thymoma: A Case Report and Review
Hyun Oh Park1, Sung Hwan Kim1, Seong Ho Moon1
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine.
The Korean Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|August 11, 2017
Summary
Ectopic cervical thymoma (ECT) is a rare neck tumor from abnormal thymus migration. This case highlights successful surgical resection of an ECT via a transcervical approach.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Surgical oncology
Background:
- The thymus originates from pharyngeal pouches and migrates to the mediastinum during embryonic development.
- Aberrant thymic migration can lead to ectopic tissue in the neck.
- Ectopic cervical thymoma (ECT) is an extremely rare consequence of this aberrant migration.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old woman presented with a long-standing nodular neck lesion.
- Imaging studies including ultrasonography and computed tomography were performed.
- The lesion was surgically removed for further examination.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of type AB thymoma.
- The tumor was identified as an ectopic cervical thymoma.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the successful surgical management of ECT.
- The transcervical approach is a viable option for resecting these rare tumors.
- Understanding aberrant embryonic thymus migration is crucial for diagnosing and treating ECT.
