Parathyroid Cyst Presenting as a Cervical Mass: A Case Report and Updated Review of the Literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62177/apjcmr.v1i5.962Keywords:
Parathyroid Cyst, Cervical Cystic Lesion, Diagnosis, Benign LesionAbstract
Background: Parathyroid cysts (PCs) are rare lesions that often resemble other cervical cystic conditions, making preoperative diagnosis challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. Methods: We report a case of a parathyroid cyst diagnosed and treated at Chongqing University Fuling Hospital in 2020. Clinical presentation, imaging, cytological features, pathological findings, differential diagnosis and management strategies were analyzed in conjunction with an updated review of the literature. Conclusion: PCs represent a rare subset of parathyroid lesions and are most often non-functioning. Their imaging and cytological characteristics frequently resemble those of thyroid cysts, which may lead to misdiagnosis. Measurement of parathyroid hormone levels in aspirated cyst fluid is essential when a PC is suspected. Surgical excision remains the definitive treatment. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges and highlights the importance of heightened clinical awareness, particularly in primary and rural healthcare settings.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Kunpeng Liu, Xuelian Yan, Jing Liu, Wei Liao, Lin Gan

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