Bronchogenic cyst in the chest wall

Abstract

The majority of bronchogenic cysts are found in the thoracic cavity, principally the bronchial tree, the peripheral lung parenchyma or the mediastinum. However, infrequently the cysts are found in the thoracic wall, mainly in the presternal subcutaneous tissues, the cervical region or the abdomen. It is postulated that cysts found outside the thoracic cavity occur by migration or by entrapment of normal pulmonary tissue during the embryonic fusion of the sternum or diaphragm. We present a case of a 10 year old boy who presented with a nodular presternal lesion, histologically confirmed as a brochogenic cyst. We review the literature and discuss the diagnosis and most adequate treatment.