A branchial cleft cyst is an oval, moderately movable cystic mass that develops under the skin in the neck between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the pharynx.

Pathophysiology

Branchial cleft cysts are remnants of embryonic development and result from a failure of obliteration of the second branchial cleft, which in fish develop into gills.

Symptoms

Most branchial cleft cysts are asymptomatic, but they may become infected.

Treatment

Conservative (i.e. no treatment), or surgical excision. Recurrence is rare.

See also

• Cystic hygroma
• Ranula
• Thyroglossal duct cyst

References

External links

• Pictures and Imaging of Branchial Cleft Cysts (Page 1)
• Pictures and Imaging of Branchial Cleft Cysts (Page 2)