Source
Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To discuss the clinical and histopathologic features of cervical bronchogenic cysts.
METHODS:
Retrospective case series.
RESULTS:
A 22-year pathology database search identified 24 patients 18 years of age and younger with bronchial/bronchogenic cysts, four of which presented in the cervical region.
CONCLUSION:
Cervical bronchogenic cysts are rare in the pediatric population but deserve inclusion in the differential diagnosis of cystic neck masses. Such cysts result from abnormal tracheobronchial tree development with characteristic pathology including respiratory-type epithelium, mural cartilage, smooth muscle, and seromucinous glands. Definitive treatment requires surgical excision.