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. Me thods and results: A 41-year-old man presented with a recurrent cystic lesion of the thyroid. At thyroidectomy cystic masses containing muci nous material were present in the neck, and there was a nodular lesion attached to the lower pole of the thyroid. Histological examination o f the latter lesion revealed an epithelial lined cyst, with pancreatic tissue (exocrine and endocrine) in addition to fat, fibrous tissue, m uscle and cartilage in the wall. Conclusions: The possible origin of t his structure is discussed, with the conclusion being that it most lik ely represents a foregut remnant.