Branchial cleft cyst: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Branchial cleft cyst | |||
| image = [[File:Bilateral_Branchial_Cleft_Sinus_fistulography_right.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Fistulography of a branchial cleft cyst | |||
| field = [[Otorhinolaryngology]] | |||
| synonyms = Branchial cleft remnant, branchial cyst | |||
| symptoms = [[Neck mass]], [[infection]], [[dysphagia]] | |||
| complications = [[Abscess]], [[fistula]] | |||
| onset = Congenital, often noticed in [[childhood]] or [[adolescence]] | |||
| duration = Persistent until treated | |||
| causes = Developmental anomaly of the [[branchial apparatus]] | |||
| risks = Family history, [[genetic predisposition]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Thyroglossal duct cyst]], [[lymphadenopathy]], [[dermoid cyst]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical excision]] | |||
| medication = [[Antibiotics]] for infection | |||
| prognosis = Excellent with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
| deaths = Rare, usually due to complications | |||
}} | |||
== Branchial cleft cyst == | == Branchial cleft cyst == | ||
'''Branchial cleft cyst''' is a type of [[congenital disorder|congenital cyst]] predominantly found in the neck. It originates from the remnants of the branchial arches, structures that are present during embryonic development. | '''Branchial cleft cyst''' is a type of [[congenital disorder|congenital cyst]] predominantly found in the neck. It originates from the remnants of the branchial arches, structures that are present during embryonic development. | ||
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== Introduction == | |||
== | |||
A branchial cleft cyst is a benign cystic mass, commonly located on the lateral part of the neck. It's associated with the embryonic development of the [[Pharyngeal arches|branchial or pharyngeal arches]], which are a series of bony and muscular structures that give rise to various components of the face, neck, and throat. | A branchial cleft cyst is a benign cystic mass, commonly located on the lateral part of the neck. It's associated with the embryonic development of the [[Pharyngeal arches|branchial or pharyngeal arches]], which are a series of bony and muscular structures that give rise to various components of the face, neck, and throat. | ||
== Development and Anatomy == | == Development and Anatomy == | ||
The branchial apparatus, present in the embryonic stage, consists of branchial arches, clefts (or grooves), and pouches. As development progresses, these structures usually form different parts of the head and neck. Occasionally, remnants of the branchial arches don't disappear and lead to the formation of branchial cleft cysts. | The branchial apparatus, present in the embryonic stage, consists of branchial arches, clefts (or grooves), and pouches. As development progresses, these structures usually form different parts of the head and neck. Occasionally, remnants of the branchial arches don't disappear and lead to the formation of branchial cleft cysts. | ||
[[Image:Bilateral Branchial Cleft Sinus fistulography right.jpg|left|thumb|Xray of the development and location of branchial cleft cysts.]] | |||
[[Image:Bilateral Branchial Cleft Sinus fistulography right.jpg|thumb | |||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
While a branchial cleft cyst is congenital, symptoms may not be noticeable until later in life. Common manifestations include: | While a branchial cleft cyst is congenital, symptoms may not be noticeable until later in life. Common manifestations include: | ||
* A palpable lump on one side of the neck | * A palpable lump on one side of the neck | ||
* Occasional pain or discomfort | * Occasional pain or discomfort | ||
* Swelling or redness, especially if the cyst becomes infected | * Swelling or redness, especially if the cyst becomes infected | ||
* Discharge from a sinus tract in the neck | * Discharge from a sinus tract in the neck | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, [[ultrasound]], and sometimes [[Fine-needle aspiration|fine-needle aspiration]]. [[MRI]] and [[CT scan]] can provide additional details about the size, location, and relationship of the cyst to surrounding structures. | Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, [[ultrasound]], and sometimes [[Fine-needle aspiration|fine-needle aspiration]]. [[MRI]] and [[CT scan]] can provide additional details about the size, location, and relationship of the cyst to surrounding structures. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The mainstay of treatment for branchial cleft cysts is surgical excision. This ensures that the cyst does not become recurrently infected or enlarge over time. [[Antibiotics]] may be prescribed if there is evidence of an infection. | The mainstay of treatment for branchial cleft cysts is surgical excision. This ensures that the cyst does not become recurrently infected or enlarge over time. [[Antibiotics]] may be prescribed if there is evidence of an infection. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
After surgical removal, the prognosis is generally excellent. Recurrence is rare but can happen if the cyst is not entirely excised. | After surgical removal, the prognosis is generally excellent. Recurrence is rare but can happen if the cyst is not entirely excised. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Congenital anomalies]] | * [[Congenital anomalies]] | ||
* [[Neck masses]] | * [[Neck masses]] | ||
* [[Thyroglossal duct cyst]] | * [[Thyroglossal duct cyst]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Congenital disorders]] | [[Category:Congenital disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | [[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 19:20, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Branchial cleft cyst | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Branchial cleft remnant, branchial cyst |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Neck mass, infection, dysphagia |
| Complications | Abscess, fistula |
| Onset | Congenital, often noticed in childhood or adolescence |
| Duration | Persistent until treated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Developmental anomaly of the branchial apparatus |
| Risks | Family history, genetic predisposition |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Thyroglossal duct cyst, lymphadenopathy, dermoid cyst |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgical excision |
| Medication | Antibiotics for infection |
| Prognosis | Excellent with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | Rare, usually due to complications |
Branchial cleft cyst[edit]
Branchial cleft cyst is a type of congenital cyst predominantly found in the neck. It originates from the remnants of the branchial arches, structures that are present during embryonic development.
Introduction[edit]
A branchial cleft cyst is a benign cystic mass, commonly located on the lateral part of the neck. It's associated with the embryonic development of the branchial or pharyngeal arches, which are a series of bony and muscular structures that give rise to various components of the face, neck, and throat.
Development and Anatomy[edit]
The branchial apparatus, present in the embryonic stage, consists of branchial arches, clefts (or grooves), and pouches. As development progresses, these structures usually form different parts of the head and neck. Occasionally, remnants of the branchial arches don't disappear and lead to the formation of branchial cleft cysts.

Symptoms[edit]
While a branchial cleft cyst is congenital, symptoms may not be noticeable until later in life. Common manifestations include:
- A palpable lump on one side of the neck
- Occasional pain or discomfort
- Swelling or redness, especially if the cyst becomes infected
- Discharge from a sinus tract in the neck
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, ultrasound, and sometimes fine-needle aspiration. MRI and CT scan can provide additional details about the size, location, and relationship of the cyst to surrounding structures.
Treatment[edit]
The mainstay of treatment for branchial cleft cysts is surgical excision. This ensures that the cyst does not become recurrently infected or enlarge over time. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is evidence of an infection.
Prognosis[edit]
After surgical removal, the prognosis is generally excellent. Recurrence is rare but can happen if the cyst is not entirely excised.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references/>


