Branchial Cyst

Baby's First Year Milestones Slideshow

Medical Author: John Mersch, MD, FAAP
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is branchial cyst? What is its origin?
• What are symptoms of a branchial cyst?
• What are structures in the neck that can be similar to a branchial cyst?
• How is a branchial cyst treated?

What is branchial cyst?

A branchial cyst is a cavity that is a congenital remnant from embryologic development. It is present at birth on one side of the neck and is located just in front of the large angulated muscle on either side of the neck running from just behind the ear down to the clavicle (collarbone). This muscle is called the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The cyst may not be recognized until adolescence as it enlarges its oval shape. Such a sinus tract may either have a small dimple or skin tag at the opening. The cyst is a smooth, soft and nontender structure.

A branchial cyst is also called branchial cleft cyst.

What are symptoms of a branchial cyst?

Branchial cysts usually cause no immediate problem. They can cause a pressure sensation in the area affected. Sometimes it develops a sinus or drainage pathway to the surface of the skin from which mucus can be expressed. They are typically not tender. Rarely, however, they can become infected.

What are structures in the neck that can be similar to a branchial cyst?

There can be other structures in the neck area of a similar character. These include

1. Cystic hygroma: This structure is a malformation of the lymphatic system in the neck region. The lymphatic system is composed of a series of vessels that drain a milky white liquid (lymph) that contains fluid and white blood cells for fighting infection. In comparison with a branchial cleft cyst, a cystic hygroma is also smooth and soft but is located behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle.



2. Thyroglossal duct cyst: This structure commonly drains from inside the floor of the mouth to an opening similar to that of a branchial cleft cyst, but it's located in the center of the neck in the area of the larynx (voice box).



3. Swelling of the thyroid gland: This soft structure has two lobes that are located on either side of the windpipe (trachea) at the level of the vocal cords. There is a thin connection of thyroid tissue that bridges the two lobes and crosses over the trachea.



4. Miscellaneous: collections of fat (lipomas), collections of blood vessels (hemangiomas), sebaceous cysts, etc.

How is a branchial cyst treated?

Total surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Recurrence is not expected.