Ectopic Thymus Gland (Differential Diagnosis Second Branchial Cyst)

This large mass situated laterally on the neck (notice a part of the right auricle at the top) was excised for differential diagnosis in this 1-month-old infant. The mass was not cystic on palpation, rather solid and smooth. One possible differential diagnosis was a neurogenic tumor, e.g. ganglioneuroma of the neck. The histological examination exhibited an ectopic thymic gland.