Ectopic cervical thymus: case report and review of pathogenesis and management

Abstract

Objective: Ectopic cervical thymus is a rare anomaly, and 50 per cent of cases occur in children. The aim of this report was to remind clinicians of this rare condition, which is part of the differential diagnosis of a paediatric neck lump.

Method: Case report together with literature review of the pathogenesis and management of ectopic cervical thymus.

Results: The ectopic cervical thymus is a rare cause of a benign neck mass, and is thus usually misdiagnosed as lymphadenopathy or neoplasia. We discuss its embryology, aetiology, presentation, histopathology, radiology and management, with reference to the reported case.

Conclusion: Ectopic cervical thymus should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a paediatric neck lump. The diagnosis can often be confirmed by cytology and radiology prior to surgical excision.