Publication:

Type I second branchial cleft cyst in an adult patient

Branchial cleft anomalies are rare diseases of head and neck region. Second branchial cleft anomalies represent more than 95% of all branchial cleft anomalies. Second branchial cleft cyst is a benign developmental cyst due to the incomplete obliteration of pharyngeal cleft. A 46-year-old female patient reported to hospital with a complaint of swelling over the left side of the neck since 4 to 5 months. On clinical examination, swelling was seen below and behind the angle of mandible on the left side. The patient was evaluated using ultrasound and contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT) of neck which revealed second left bronchial cleft cyst/enlarged cystic lymph-node. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the swelling showed features of cystic lesion. Type-I branchial cleft cyst is a rare condition with a significant risk of misdiagnosis. To avert misdiagnosis and surgical complications, thorough investigation must be performed prior to surgical intervention.