Thoracic duct cyst - Case report and literature review
Journal
Journal of Surgical Association Republic of China
Journal Volume
31
Journal Issue
3
Pages
196-199
Date Issued
1998
Author(s)
Abstract
Thoracic duct cyst has rarely been reported. In this report, we present a 53-year-old female with this disease. She had complained of sore throat and swallowing disturbance for months. A left superior mediastinal cystic lesion was found accidentally by chest roentgenogram. VATS operation was undertaken. A 4 x 3 x 3 cm3 thin-walled cyst was found over the apex of the left thoracic cavity. It communicated with the thoracic duct, and contained milk-white, turbid fluid. This cyst was excised with ligation of its communicating branches with the thoracic duct. Thoracic duct cyst was proved by pathological examination. Her postoperative course was smooth. There are only eighteen cases of thoracic duct cyst reported in previous literature. The cyst usually manifested itself as a left mediastinal or neck mass, which might be asymptomatic or cause various degrees of throat discomfort or swallowing disturbance. Its size would enlarge after eating. Differential diagnosis should be made with other mediastinal tumors or cysts. Surgical intervention is indicated for patients with symptoms or uncertain diagnosis. The prognosis is generally good. The present patient, as we know, is the first case of thoracic duct cyst in Taiwan.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; article; case report; differential diagnosis; dysphagia; eating; female; human; ligation; mediastinum cyst; mediastinum tumor; neck tumor; pathology; postoperative period; prognosis; secretion; sore throat; surgical technique; thoracic duct; thorax disease; thorax radiography
Type
journal article