Ultrasound is the recommended diagnostic modality used to diagnose cervical<unk> . The<unk>  has a unique appearance on ultrasound, which allows for specific diagnosis.<unk>  appears hypoechoic, with characteristic linear echogenic foci. Magnetic resonance imaging may be utilized as well to better characterize and identify the location of the<unk> . On MRI,<unk>  cervical<unk>  appears as a homogeneous mass which is isointense to muscle on T1-weighted scans and hyperintense on T2-weighted scans. Biopsy or histological examination upon resection can also be used to make a definitive diagnosis. Sometimes,<unk>  is found incidentally during neck surgery. Differential diagnosis An appropriate differential diagnosis depends upon location of the<unk> . For cervical<unk> , the differential diagnosis should include additional causes of neck masses. This includes common causes of neck masses in children, including: * thyroglossal duct cyst. * branchial cleft cyst. * dermoid cyst. * inflammatory lymphadenitis. * salivary gland infection. * sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy. * benign tumor. Rare causes of neck masses in children include: * thyroid cancer. * lymphoma. * rhabdomyosarcoma. * thyroid nodules.
Ectopic thymus
Abscess of thymus
Cervical thymic cyst
Tracheal agenesis
Persistent thyroglossal duct
Salivary gland atresia
Ectopic salivary gland tissue
Salivary gland aplasia