Zervikale Thymuszysten in der Differentialdiagnose lateraler Halstumore

Abstract

Cervical thymic cysts belong to the rare causes of neck masses and therefore are frequently not included in a preoperative differential diagnosis. Here we report our experience in managing a 7-year-old boy who presented with a three-month history of a lateral neck mass causing stridor during sleep. Clinical findings and macroscopic and histopathological features are described and reviewed with respect to the available literature. The inclusion of a cervical thymic cyst in a preoperative differential diagnosis is important for determining the extent of the neck mass and planning any surgical procedure.

Multilocular cervical thymic cysts in adults. A report of two cases and review of the literature

“…Cervical thymic cysts are in close anatomical relationship to the large cervical vessels, to the vagus nerve as well as to the glossopharyngeus nerve, the hypoglossus nerve and the phrenic nerve [24]. Especially the vagus nerve is endangered because of this close anatomical relationship during exstirpation of cervical thymic cysts [2].…”

“…Other authors have connected cervical thymic cysts with myasthenia gravis [1], Sjögren's syndrome and aplastic anemia [31]. Almost all are unilateral and most commonly on the left side of the neck [24]. Almost all are unilateral and most commonly on the left side of the neck [24].…”