Lymphoma mimicking a thyroglossal duct cyst in an adolescent

Abstract

Mass lesions of the head and neck in infants and children can be either developmental, inflammatory or neoplastic. Lymphomas (Hodgkin's or Non-Hodgkin's) commonly present as neck lumps in children. Although malignancy is not the commonest aetiology of paediatric cervical lumps, a high index of suspicion is critical to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of cervical lesions. We present the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with a solitary midline cervical lesion, which simulated a thyroglossal cyst on clinical examination. However, histopathological examination revealed it to be a Hodgkin's lymphoma. Related literature is also reviewed.

Cystic masses of the lateral neck: Diagnostic value comparison between fine‐needle aspiration, core‐needle biopsy, and frozen section

“…PTC has long been considered a cause of cystic metastasis to the lateral neck with an incidence as high as 11% among all lateral cystic neck masses, a rate similar to our results (7%). Cystic lymphoma, however, is a much rarer diagnosis in the head and neck, described only in certain isolated cases . Of note, the term “lymphoproliferative disorder” in either FNA or CNB reports was considered an adequate prediction of the definitive diagnosis of lymphoma.…”