Primary cervical thoracic duct cyst: a case report and review of the literature.

Thoracic duct cysts are uncommon entities that are usually found in the thoracic segments of the thoracic duct. The presence of a thoracic duct cyst in the cervical area has been rarely reported. Etiologically, these cysts can arise either as a primary growth or secondary to trauma, obstruction, or inflammation. This entity was first described in 1964, and only 33 cases have been previously reported in literature. Of these, 16 cases involved a primary cyst. We report a new case of a primary thoracic duct cyst, and we discuss its presentation, diagnosis, and management, with an emphasis on meticulous surgical technique. We also review the relevant literature.