Isolated cervical cyst: a rare presentation of papillary thyroid carcinoma

The most common thyroid malignancy, papillary thyroid carcinoma constitutes 50-90% of differentiated follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer worldwide. Papillary carcinoma commonly metastasizes to lymph nodes in the lateral and central neck regions, and in the mediastinum. Rarely does metastases to the lymph node present as a cervical cystic mass. Here we report a 32 year-old female with lateral cervical neck cyst as the only sign of papillary thyroid carcinoma, who referred to us with a chief complaint of a cervical mass since 3 months. Physical examination revealed a 2x2 cm mass posterior to the right sternocliodomastoid without any relation to the thyroid. The cervical mass was resected and pathology report showed papillary carcinoma, most probably of branchial cleft cyst or thyroid origin. The result after thyroidectomy was papillary thyroid carcinoma. Conculsion: It is recommended that in all individuals, especially younger ones, referring with lateral cervical cysts, the likelihood of papillary throid carcinoma be seriously considered and investigated.