Table 1

Differences between real cysts and pseudocysts in metastatic lymph nodes

Cavity

prevalence

Lumen content

CK7 Expression

Mechanism of formation

Pseudocysts

Majority of cases

keratin and cellular debris

Negative

Degradation of keratin and cellular debris/Sudden blockage of lymphatic fluid flow

True cysts

Few cases

eosinophilic fluid

Positive

Origination from transformed keratinocytes/ducts of submucosal salivary glands

Mokhtari Diagnostic Pathology 2012 7:6   doi:10.1186/1746-1596-7-6