Umbilical cord neoplasms are rare. Teratomas, which are accepted as the only true neoplasms at this site, are exceptional. These tumors are polymorphic in their presentation and are often associated with other abnormalities, with exomphalos being the most common abnormality. Histologically these tumors show mature tissues from all the three-germ layers. Immature elements as seen in our case are rare. Germ cells which have gone astray during embryonic development are thought to be the cells of origin of these tumors.

Cysticercosis is an infection of Cestodes, or tapeworms (larvae), which are segmented worms. The adults reside in the gastrointestinal tract, but the larvae can be found in almost any organ. We present a case of an adult presenting as cystic neck swelling which turned out to be cysticercosis of sternocleidomastoid muscle. On evaluation using USG, FNAC cysticercosis was diagnosed and the same was confirmed by histopathological examination. Hence we conclude that parasitic infestation should be considered as differential diagnosis in any neck swelling.