Colonic duplication in the submandibular region of the neck

SummaryWe present a case of an unusual colonic duplication cyst which was located in the submandibular region of the neck. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a submandibular cyst lined with colonic mucosa. This type of cystic mass is felt to be due to either displacement of primitive intestinal epithelium or abnormal differentiation of primitive endodermal cells into colonic mucosa in an abnormal location. Diagnosis was made with a combination of CT scan, ultrasound, and ultimately surgical pathology. Treatment is with surgical excision, and the prognosis is excellent with complete excision.