A 7-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Office for Evaluation

A 7-year-old boy is brought to the office for evaluation of a neck mass.  A week ago, the patient was taken to an urgent care clinic for nasal congestion and sore throat.  The symptoms resolved after a few days, but his parents noticed a persistent neck swelling.  The patient has no prior medical conditions, and his immunizations are up to date.  On physical examination, he appears well and is well nourished.  Neck examination shows a mildly tender, 2-cm, midline mass that moves up when the patient swallows.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's lesion?

A) Abnormal migration of neural crest cells
B) Cervical implantation of thymic tissue
C) Dilation of cervical lymphatic channels
D) Incomplete obliteration of a duct
E) Persistence of second branchial arch structures
F) Trapping of skin structures along embryonic fusion lines

Correct Answer:

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