How is Branchial cyst diagnosed?
A physical exam is usually enough to diagnose a branchial cleft cyst. Sometimes, MRI or CT scans can check the exact location of the cyst. Ultrasounds can also help figure out whether there is a fistula (unusual connection between two organs) connecting the throat or ear canal.
What is inside a branchial cleft cyst?
Branchial cleft cysts are lined with stratified squamous epithelium and may contain keratinous debris inside the cyst. In some cases, the cyst wall is lined by ciliated columnar epithelium resulting in more mucoid contents. Lymphoid tissue is typically present surrounding the epithelial lining.
How can you tell the difference between cystic hygroma and branchial cyst?
Dermoid cysts occur in the midline and differ in location from the cyst in the present case. All these lesions differ in microscopic features from branchial cleft cyst. Cystic hygroma occurs in the posterior triangle of the neck that is posterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
What causes branchial cleft cyst?
Branchial cleft cysts form during development of the embryo. They occur when tissues in the neck and collarbone area (branchial cleft) fail to develop normally. The birth defect may appear as open spaces called cleft sinuses, which may develop on one or both sides of the neck.
What are the symptoms of branchial cleft cyst?
What Are the Symptoms of Branchial Cleft Cysts and Sinus Tracts?
- Lump or skin tag on neck or upper shoulder.
- Bumps that become more painful with swallowing/ grow bigger over time.
- Swelling or tenderness on neck, sometimes occurring during or after an upper respiratory infection.
What is a 2nd branchial cleft cyst?
Second branchial cleft cysts are benign developmental cysts thought to arise from congenital remnants of the second branchial arch. Other branchial anomalies exist but are much less common than second cleft anomalies which represent >95 % of all branchial cleft anomalies [1, 2].
What is a First branchial cleft cyst?
First branchial cleft cysts develop as a result of the incomplete fusion of the cleft between the first and second branchial arches (see branchial apparatus). There may be a sinus with drainage to the external ear or skin. They typically occur within or close to the parotid gland or external auditory canal.
Is branchial cleft cyst serious?
In most cases, a branchial cleft cyst isn’t dangerous. However, the cyst can drain and cause skin irritation. Cysts can also become infected, causing difficulty with swallowing and breathing. Cancerous tumors may develop at the site of a branchial cleft in adults, but this is very rare.
Can a branchial cyst be cancerous?
Purpose: Branchial cleft cysts are among the most common causes for a congenital neck mass. Branchial cleft cyst carcinoma (BCCC) is a type of cancer that arises from cells within these cysts. Despite the distinct criteria that have been reported for its diagnosis, BCCC remains a controversial entity.
How is Branchial cyst formed?
Branchial cleft cysts are congenital epithelial cysts, which arise on the lateral part of the neck from a failure of obliteration of the second branchial cleft in embryonic development. Phylogenetically, the branchial apparatus is related to gill slits.
Is a branchial cyst cancerous?
Can a branchial cleft cyst be cancerous?
Where is a branchial cleft cyst located?
A branchial cleft cyst (BCC) commonly presents as a solitary, painless mass in the neck of a child or young adult. They are most commonly located along the anterior border and the upper third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the anterior triangle of the neck.
Do branchial cleft cysts disappear?
A branchial cleft abnormality will not go away without treatment. Treatment may include: Antibiotic medicine if your child has an infection. In some children, the healthcare provider may need to cut into and drain the area.
How is a branchial cleft cyst removed?
Surgical excision is definitive treatment for branchial cleft cysts. A series of horizontal incisions, known as a stairstep or stepladder incision, is made to fully dissect out the occasionally tortuous path of the branchial cleft cysts.
How is a branchial cyst removed?
WHO removes a branchial cleft cyst?
The surgeon makes every effort to completely remove the cyst. Sometimes, it can have tracts that the surgeon doesn’t detect during surgery. Most patients have the cyst removed successfully with just one surgery and no additional problems.