Ectopic Cervical Thymus Research Articles

Ectopic Cervical Thymus: Case Report

Ectopic cervical thymus is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses: this lesion is essentially asymptomatic and generally occupies a position in the neck along the carotid sheath, underneath the sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle. It is supposed that most of these masses arise as a consequence of migration defects during glandular embryogenesis. Ectopic thymus rarely invades contiguous structures but in the literature some cases of malignant transformation of aberrant cervical thymus have been reported. Some non-invasive investigations (MRI, ultrasonography) are useful but accurate diagnosis depends eventually on surgical excision and histologic examination.

Aberrant cervical thymus in children: Three case reports and review of the literature

Aberrant migration of thymic tissue occurs with ectopic thymus in the mediastinum, base of the skull, tracheal bifurcation, and cervical region. A recent review of the literature showed a total of 76 reported cases of aberrant thymus or thymic cysts in patients who presented with primary neck masses. We report three additional cases of ectopic cervical thymus. All three patients presented with asymptomatic cervical masses, and preoperative diagnosis included branchial cleft cyst, cervical lymphangioma, and cervical teratoma. All patients underwent complete surgical resection of the masses. Aberrant cervical thymus rarely produces symptoms because it does not invade contiguous stryctures. Despite its rarity, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic neck masses in children.

Ectopic cervical thymus

Small lobules of aberrant thymus can be found at times in the neck, often within the thyroid gland substance. They are possibly present in up to 20% of humans (Goldstein and Mackey, 1969; Gilmour, 1941). Ectopic thymic tissue producing a palpable swelling in the neck is rather uncommon. A case of noncystic, ectopic cervical thymus having a connection with the thyroid gland is described.

Ectopic thymic tissue of the neck

Ectopic cervical thymus is a rare lesion. Two cases are reported to bring the total in the English literature to 46.