The Cyst of the Canal of Nuck: Anatomy, Diagnostic and Treatment of a Very Rare Diagnosis-A Case Report of an Adult Woman and Narrative Review of the Literature

Abstract

The cyst of the canal of Nuck is an extremely rare female hydrocele, usually occurring in children, but also in adult women. It is caused by pathology of the canal of Nuck, which is the female equivalent to the male processus vaginalis. Due to its rarity and the lack of awareness among physicians, the cyst of the canal of Nuck is a seldom-encountered entity in clinical practice and is commonly misdiagnosed. We report on a case of cyst of the canal of Nuck in a 42-year-old woman, who presented with a painful swelling at her right groin. In addition, we conducted a review of the current available literature. This review gives an overview of the anatomy, pathology, diagnostics, and treatment of the cyst of the canal of Nuck. The aim of this review is not only to give a survey, but also to raise awareness of the cyst of the canal of Nuck and serve as a reference for medical professionals.

Keywords: Nuck cyst; canal of Nuck; cyst of the canal of Nuck; hernia; hydrocele; rare diseases.

Figure 1

Axial T2-weighted MRI: cystic structure localized in the right inguinal canal, with no communication to the peritoneal cavity.

Figure 2

Intraoperative picture of the cyst of the canal of Nuck after dissection from the round ligament.

Figure 3

Histology hematoxylin and eosin staining: cystic structure localized within fibromuscular and adipose tissue demonstrating a flat to cuboidal mesothelial lining (left corner), consistent with a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck.

Figure 4

A schematic of the female anatomy and the patent canal of Nuck.

Figure 5

Schematic overview of the different types of cysts of the canal of Nuck as classified by Counseller and Black.