Foregut cysts presenting as neck masses. A report on three children.

This paper is a retrospective study of three patients with foregut cysts in the neck who were admitted for diagnosis and treatment. Foregut cysts are uncommon congenital defects of the developing airway and gut. They may occur from the mouth to the anus, and are rare in the neck. Two of the children presented with neck masses, the other with severe airway obstruction and subglottic and upper tracheal stenosis requiring a tracheotomy. The patients are presented in detail, and the histopathology and differential diagnosis are discussed. Surgical treatment is necessary to prevent airway compromise. Surgical extirpation of the cyst should be uncomplicated and curative.