[Thymic cyst in the neck. Apropos of a case]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Head and Neck Pathology
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Cervical thymic cysts are rare congenital lesions, often presenting as lateral neck masses.
• Diagnosis typically occurs post-surgical exploration for neck swelling.
• Their thymic origin necessitates consideration in the differential diagnosis of neck cysts.

Observation:

• A 12-year-old boy presented with a lateral neck swelling, initially suspected as cystic hygroma.
• Computed tomography (CT) revealed the cyst extended into the anterior mediastinum, indicating a thymic origin.
• The lesion was successfully excised via a single cervical incision.

Findings:

• Complete surgical excision of the cervical thymic cyst was achieved through a minimally invasive approach.
• No recurrence of the cyst was noted during a 2-year follow-up period.
• The patient did not develop any signs of immune deficiency post-operatively.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates that cervical thymic cysts can be managed effectively through a cervical approach alone.
• Early and accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging like CT is crucial for appropriate management.
• Successful resection prevents potential complications and confirms the benign nature of these lesions.