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Branchial cleft cyst
	Classification and external resources
DiseasesDB	1588
MedlinePlus	001396
eMedicine	derm/61 radio/107

A branchial cleft cyst (also known as a "Branchial cyst"^[1]^:782) is an oval, moderately movable cystic mass that develops under the skin in the neck between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the pharynx.

[edit] Pathophysiology

Branchial cleft cysts are remnants of embryonic development and result from a failure of obliteration of the a branchial cleft, which in fish develop into gills.^[2]

[edit] Types

First branchial cleft cysts typically originate in the angle of the mandible and extend to the external auditory canal. They are often associated with the the facial nerve

Second branchial cleft cysts are most common. They are found along the anterior border of the sternocledomastoid, passes through the carotid bifurcation and into the tonsillar pillar

Third branchial cleft cysts are rare and found in the lateral neck.

[edit] Symptoms

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

[edit] Treatment

Conservative (i.e. no treatment), or surgical excision. As complete surgical excision may be difficult (due to the close proximity of the internal jugular vein and carotid vessels that lie deep to the swelling), they can recur.^[3]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

^ Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0071380760.
^ Hong, Chih-ho. Branchial cleft cyst. eMedicine.com. URL: http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic61.htm. Accessed on: August 24, 2008.
^ Waldhausen JH (May 2006). "Branchial cleft and arch anomalies in children". Seminars in pediatric surgery 15 (2): 64–9. doi:10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2006.02.002. PMID 16616308.

[edit] External links

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[Fitz2-0] Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0071380760.

[1] Hong, Chih-ho. Branchial cleft cyst. eMedicine.com. URL: http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic61.htm. Accessed on: August 24, 2008.

[2] Waldhausen JH (May 2006). "Branchial cleft and arch anomalies in children". Seminars in pediatric surgery 15 (2): 64–9. doi:10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2006.02.002. PMID 16616308.

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