A case report describing a unilateral neck cyst lined by epithelium which exhibited similar characteristics to thyroid epithelium i s presented. A subsequent review of 20 branchial cleft defects (17 cysts and three fistulae) revealed a further similar cyst. The relationship between the embryological development of the thyroid gland and branchial cleft abnormalities is discussed. Keywords: branchial cyst. ectopic thyroid HOYES A D , KERSHAW D R . Anatomy and development of the thyroid gland. Ear Nose Throat J. 1985; 64; 318-333. JUDD ES. Thyroglossal-duct cysts and sinuses. Surg.
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