Branchial Cyst
Branchial cyst is a developmental cyst that can appear anywhere in the neck. It can present as a lump, cyst or an abscess. These cyst can cause pressure symptoms, abscess formation , and has a potential for malignant transformation.
All cysts and lumps (in adults) in the neck require a fine needle aspiration which is a needle sample test of the lump. The aspiration is done with a very fine needle (smaller than blood sampling needle). The diagnosis is made by evaluating the aspirated sample by the pathologist and additional information from a CT or MRI scan.
These cyst should be excised with any associated extensions, tracts so this will reduce chance of recurrences. Surgery for these cysts can vary from 1 to 3 hours and 1 to 2 day hospital stay. Patients can resume normal activity within 5 to 7 days and the wound is well healed by 10 days.
2 year old child with Branchial cyst - large 5 cm right neck
Surgical view of the cyst next to the jugular vein
At the end of surgery
25 year old adult with Branchial Cyst in the right neck 4cm
