Parathyroid cyst-An unusual presentation

Parathyroid cyst is one of the least common causes of neck and mediastinal mass and often mistaken be thyroid cyst. Despite advancement in radiological and cytological investigations diagnosing a parathyroid cyst had always been a clinical challenge and mistaken for thyroid pathology and it is only diagnosed during histopathological examination post-surgical resection. The pathogenesis of parathyroid cyst includes the embryological remnant of the 3 or 4 branchial arch with accumulation of colloid material within it. These are classified into functioning and non -functioning depending on whether they are secreting parathyroid hormone and resulting in hypercalcemia. Surgery is indicated in all functioning Parathyroid cysts to alleviate the symptoms of hypercalcemia, larger Parathyroid cysts, and recommended in Parathyroid cysts that recur following more conservative approaches.