Cervical bronchogenic cysts: a consideration in the differential diagnosis of pediatric cervical cystic masses.

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.