Lymphoma mimicking a thyroglossal duct cyst in an adolescent

Abstract

Mass lesions of the head and neck in infants and children can be either developmental, inflammatory or neoplastic. Lymphomas (Hodgkin's or Non-Hodgkin's) commonly present as neck lumps in children. Although malignancy is not the commonest aetiology of paediatric cervical lumps, a high index of suspicion is critical to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of cervical lesions. We present the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with a solitary midline cervical lesion, which simulated a thyroglossal cyst on clinical examination. However, histopathological examination revealed it to be a Hodgkin's lymphoma. Related literature is also reviewed.