Publication:

Second branchial cleft cyst in adolescent: a case report

Branchial cleft cysts are congenital lateral neck masses which manifest in the adolescents or in adulthood. They arise from the remnants of the branchial apparatus of embryonic life. Cystic remnants present commonly in the adolescence. Second branchial cleft cysts are the most common form of the branchial anomalies and originate from the remnants of the cervical sinus of His and its duct during the differentiation of branchial apparatus. Purpose of the study was to report a case of second branchial cleft cyst in adolescent. Patient was presented with second branchial cleft cyst at the age of 20 years. Computed tomography of neck showed well-circumscribed cystic lesion with an internal solid component in the peri vertebral space extending to the left submandibular space at the level of lower cervical region, attached to left sternocleidomastoid muscle causing minimal displacement of left internal and external carotid arteries medially and left internal jugular vein laterally, suggesting branchial cleft cyst. Complete surgical excision of the cyst had been done. The histopathologic study revealed a squamous epithelium-lined cyst with lymphoid infiltration, consistent with branchial cleft cyst. The patient was discharged without any complications. Clinical manifestations combined with knowledge of the embryology and spatial anatomy of the head and neck provide clues for a correct diagnosis and appropriate management of branchial cleft cyst.