Thymic cysts in the neck

The etiologic considerations in head and neck lesions rarely include the diagnosis of thymic cysts. A correlative summary of three new cases was analyzed with respect to the already existing body of data. A classification of thymic cysts, their embryogenesis, clinical signs, and appropriate pre-operative studies were stressed. The gross and microscopic histopathology was reviewed with the conclusion that in many instances normal thymus was included in the surgical specimen. Given our increasing knowledge regarding thymic function, it was stressed that heightened awareness of this clinical entity should enable preservation of the normal thymus gland.