Left Cervical Chyloma following Right Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Cervical chylomas are rare entities, as only four cases have been previously reported. All of these previous cases involved the left side, all were related to the thoracic duct, and all occurred following trauma or surgery. We report a new case of a left-sided chyloma that was unusual because it arose following a right-sided subtotal thyroidectomy. The chyloma arose as a left supraclavicular mass within 3 months of the thyroidectomy, and it slowly enlarged over a period of 9 years. Following evaluation by computed tomography, the mass was excised, and the patient recovered uneventfully. We also review what is known about the diagnosis and treatment of cervical chylomas.