Cervical tumor by ectopic salivary gland

Heterotopic salivary tissue is a rare lesion, although most authors agree that anomalous embryologic development of salivary tissue is the main cause. One case of cervical tumor by ectopic salivary gland is reported, and existent literature is reviewed. A 26-year-old woman was operated on for a cystic tumor in the midline of the neck diagnosed as thyroglossal cyst in the hyoid region. After Sistrunk operation, the recurrence was immediate. A second operation was performed, and a solid tumor located between muscles of the tongue was resected. A long tract opening in recurrent cervical cystic tumor was also removed. No recurrence was evident at 1 year after surgery. Pathological examination of the excised mass revealed an ectopic salivary gland with serous and mucinous acini located between muscles of the tongue. This is a rare case report of a cervical fistula by ectopic salivary gland surrounded by muscles of the tongue draining into a cystic tumor in the hyoid midline lesion. Recurrence of thyroglossal cyst after a correct surgical resection must be suspected as an ectopic salivary tissue. Also when a cystic neck tumor is present, an ectopic salivary gland must be suspected.