METASTATIC PAPILLARY THYROID-CARCINOMA PRESENTING AS A TYPICAL BRANCHIAL CYST

Two cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting as a cystic latera l neck mass are reported. This tumour characteristically presents in p atients under 40-years-old and in the presence of an occult primary tu mour may mimic a branchial cyst. In such cases simple aspiration of th e cyst will produce a chocolate-brown serous fluid which excludes the diagnosis of a branchial cyst anti is characteristic of papillary thyr oid carcinoma. Cytological examination of the fluid has a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy and should avoid delay in diagnosis and unneccessary surgical explorat ion prior to definitive treatment.