Though a rare lesion, non-functioning parathyroid cyst is of clinical significance because it usually mimics a thyroid nodule. The cyst can be ectopic in location and therefore constitutes a differential diagnosis to a bronchial or thymic cyst. Two recent cases of non-functioning parathyroid assay are reported. Needle puncture with estimation of the level of parathyroid hormone in the aspirate allows the diagnosis to be made before surgery.