Giant cervicomediastinal non-functioning parathyroid cyst: A rare case

Abstract

Parathyroid cysts of cervicomediastinal location are rare with only a few cases reported in the international literature. We present a rare case of parathyroid cyst in a 57 years old female with gradually increasing neck swelling and dysphagia. Examination revealed about 5 cm anterior neck swelling which moves with swallowing. Blood results including tumor markers and calcium levels were all unremarkable. Chest radiography noted visible mass with cervicothoracic sign and right tracheal deviation. A computed tomography showed a large anterior mediastinal cystic mass with left supraclavicular extension, size 5 x10 x 14cm pushing trachea to the right side from thyroid cartilage till carina level. She successfully underwent left subtotal thyroidectomy (for coexisting thyroid nodules) and median sternotomy and cyst excision. Operative histopathological examination revealed a parathyroid cyst. The patient’s symptoms were relieved after surgery. Parathyroid cyst can therefore present as a rare cause of neck and mediastinal cystic lesion.