Branchial Cyst in the Parapharyngeal Space: A Case Report

Abstract

Branchial cleft cysts are congenital anomalies that most commonly arise from a failure of fusion of the second branchial arch during embryonic life. They usually present as a swelling in the lateral side of the neck, below the mandible. In this article, we present a case of a 28-year-old female patient with a right branchial cyst measuring 7 × 6 × 5 cm, who presented with an asymptomatic, rapidly growing mass in the right anterior triangle of the neck that abutted the right external carotid artery, leading to stenosis of the vessel that is preceded by dilatation above the site of compression. She underwent excision of the cystic mass with preservation of the facial nerve and presented no active complaints on follow-up a few weeks postoperatively.

A second branchial cleft cyst, a case report

“…The final treatment is surgical removal. However, complicated cysts, such as those with infection or abscess formation, require antibiotic treatment prior to surgery [ 12 ].…”

The Rare Third Branchial Cyst in Paediatric Age Group

“…95% of all malformations developing due to incomplete obliteration of the clefts and pouches separating each arch are arising from 2nd arch. Branchial cleft cysts are believed to be a result of failure of fusion of the second branchial arch, although some theories suggest that cystic degeneration of the first, second, and third branchial clefts or cystic degeneration of epithelial elements of cervical lymph nodes or persistence of thymophar yngeal ductal or igin (4) (5). T hey are mostly asymptomatic but can present with sudden growth in size, especially after an upper respiratory tract infection and sometimes may present with signs of inflammation and abscess formation.…”

“…T hey are mostly asymptomatic but can present with sudden growth in size, especially after an upper respiratory tract infection and sometimes may present with signs of inflammation and abscess formation. Acute increase in size may cause obstructive symptoms such as respiratory compromise or dysphagia or even snoring, if the mass extends to adjacent structures (5). Sometimes, they develop a sinus or a fistula communicating with the sternocleidomastoid muscle or the tonsils (7).…”

“…The principle of management includes early diagnosis, controlling the infection status, appropriate imaging and complete excision (4). Diagnosis can be confirmed by fine-needle aspiration cytology and the presence of a fluid-filled cyst on a CT scan, US, or MRI (5). The initial surgery is crucial since the recurrence rate after incomplete surgical excision can be as high as 22% (6).…”