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

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.