Branchial Cleft Cyst – A Rare Presentation and Review of Literature

Abstract

Branchial cleft cyst is one of the common congenital anomaly and a cystic lesion of neck. It arises from branchial arch remnants, mainly from second branchial cleft. It commonly presents as a slow growing, solitary, painless swelling in the anterior triangle of the neck. Brachial cleft cyst can be misdiagnosed as other cysts of neck or as other swellings of oral and paraoral region. It is imperative to make correct diagnosis in order to design an accurate treatment plan. Clinical examination, FNAC, ultrasonography and CT scan are the diagnostic aids that provide findings suggestive of branchial cleft cyst and the diagnosis can be confirmed by biopsy. Once the diagnosis is established, the treatment of choice is surgical excision. Recurrence of this lesion is rare. Here, we present a rare case of classic clinical presentation of branchial cleft cyst.