Pancreatic tissue in a lateral cervical cyst attached to the thyroid gland—a presumed foregut remnant

• Published in: Histopathology Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 378 - 380
• Main Authors: LANGLOIS, N.E.I., KRUKOWSKI, Z.H., MILLER, I.D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.10.1997; Blackwell
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - analysis; cyst; Cysts - chemistry; Cysts - pathology; foregut; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Medical sciences; neck; Otorhinolaryngology (head neck, general aspects and miscellaneous); Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; pancreas; Pancreas - abnormalities; Pancreas - chemistry; Thyroid Gland - abnormalities; Thyroid Gland - chemistry; Tumors; Human; Male; Thyroid gland; Adhesion; Case study; Pathology; Cyst; ENT disease; Adult; Benign neoplasm; Neck; Ectopia; Pancreas; Foregut; Embryonal vestige
• ISSN: 0309-0167; 1365-2559
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2559.1997.2780869.x

Aim: To report the previously undescribed occurrence of a lateral neck cyst, attached to the thyroid gland, containing pancreatic tissue. Methods and results: A 41‐year‐old man presented with a recurrent cystic lesion of the thyroid. At thyroidectomy cystic masses containing mucinous material were present in the neck, and there was a nodular lesion attached to the lower pole of the thyroid. Histological examination of the latter lesion revealed an epithelial lined cyst, with pancreatic tissue (exocrine and endocrine) in addition to fat, fibrous tissue, muscle and cartilage in the wall. Conclusions: The possible origin of this structure is discussed, with the conclusion being that it most likely represents a foregut remnant.