Parathyroid cyst: a rare cause of an anterior neck mass

Abstract

Parathyroid cysts are rare. Most of them present in the anterior neck as cystic neck swellings. A case of cervical parathyroid cyst is presented, along with a brief review of the literature regarding the aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management of this condition.

A single-institution 25-year review of true parathyroid cysts

“…At physical examination, PCs tend to be soft, mobile, non-tender masses, usually located in the lower part of the neck but can arise in any site between the jaw and the mediastinum [18,19].…”

Cysts of the Neck, Unknown Primary Tumor, and Neck Dissection

“…67 The anterior cervical triangle is the site of most parathyroid cysts that present as neck masses. [67][68][69] The cyst may be functional, but the majority are nonfunctional. 67 Embryogenesis.…”

“…Tracheal and esophageal compression, hoarseness secondary to recurrent laryngeal nerve compression, and pain secondary to hemorrhage into the cyst have been reported. [67][68][69] Approximately 95% of the cysts occur below the inferior thyroid border, and 65% are associated with the inferior parathyroid glands. 67 Cysts have been identified everywhere from the angle of the mandible to the mediastinum; however, they can occur in the thyroid lobe or posterior to it.…”

Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management of Parathyroid Cysts

“…Only blood biochemistry can tell the difference between FPCs or NPCs. For some, the concentration of carboxyterminel fragments of PTH in the aspirate fluid is more interesting and a better measure than the whole hormone [2,11,21,26]. The aspirate fluid of parathyroid cyst is acellular and does not contain thyroid hormones.…”