Bronchogenic cyst pathology

Introduction

Bronchogenic cysts originate from the ventral foregut that forms the respiratory system. They are located close to the trachea or main stem bronchi.

Histology of bronchogenic cyst

Bronchogenic cysts may be unilocular (figure 1) or multilocular. They may be located in the dermis or subcutis and occasionally drain into the overlying epidermis via a sinus. They are often filled with thick mucinous material and debris (figure 2).

The lining of the cyst is typically ciliated (figure 3, arrows) and may be columnar or cuboidal. Squamous metaplasia is common. In the wall, it is very common to find smooth muscle and respiratory-type mucous glands (figure 4). Cartilage is another common finding in the wall.

Figure 1 

Figure 2 

Figure 3 

Figure 4 

Special studies for bronchogenic cyst

None are needed.

Differential diagnosis of bronchogenic cyst pathology

Cutaneous ciliated cyst: Smooth muscle, mucous glands and cartilage are not seen in the walls of cutaneous ciliated cysts.

Branchial cleft cyst: Is usually squamous lined but may show foci of glandular epithelium with cilia. Typically the wall shows lymphoid tissue.