Robot-Assisted Excision of a Cervical Thymic Cyst Mimicking Possible Basal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis

Abstract

Background: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy in the head and neck area, cervical metastasis is not common but the risk still remains and cystic lesion had been reported. Cervical Thymic Cyst (CTC) is also a rare disorder. This report aims to describe a clinical puzzle of a CTC in an adult patient with history of facial BCC. We also introduce the new developed robot-assisted surgery for cervical excisional biopsy that is prerequisite for a definite pathologic diagnosis. Case reports: A 39-year-old woman with history of naso-labial fold BCC presented with a cervical cystic mass. To exclude the possibility of cervical metastasis, the robot assisted excisional biopsy was done via retro-auricular approach to avoid leaving a visible cervical scar. The lesion was proved to be a Cervical Thymic Cyst (CTC), which is rarely found in adults and she was satisfied with the invisible scar hidden in the hairline. Conclusion: For a neck mass with undetermined malignant potential, the robot-assisted excisional biopsy via retro-auricular approach is a good alternative with better cosmetic result.