Branchial cleft cyst or sinus in Adult
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis

Branchial cleft cyst or sinus is a rare disorder resulting from incomplete closure of the branchial clefts. The second branchial cleft is implicated much more so than the third cleft. This typically occurs at 4-8 weeks of embryologic growth. Cysts, sinuses, or fistulae can present at birth at the inferior neck. At times these small cysts or skin tag-like remnants contain cartilage. Autosomal dominant inheritance has been reported.
Sometimes a branchial cleft cyst or sinus is not recognized until later in childhood, when it becomes infected. Rarely, it may go unnoticed until it becomes infected in adulthood. A laryngocele may present with a neck mass and is associated with hoarseness and swelling.
Sometimes a branchial cleft cyst or sinus is not recognized until later in childhood, when it becomes infected. Rarely, it may go unnoticed until it becomes infected in adulthood. A laryngocele may present with a neck mass and is associated with hoarseness and swelling.
Codes
ICD10CM:
Q18.0 – Sinus, fistula and cyst of branchial cleft
SNOMEDCT:
59857007 – Branchial cleft cyst
Q18.0 – Sinus, fistula and cyst of branchial cleft
SNOMEDCT:
59857007 – Branchial cleft cyst
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Thyroglossal duct cyst – Midline cystic lesion, often near the hyoid bone, often with a draining sinus.
- Pilomatricoma (calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe)
- A malignancy must be considered in a new-onset neck mass in an adult, especially when associated with enlarged lymph nodes.
- Midline anterior neck inclusion cyst (MANIC) – A type of superficial midline developmental anomaly
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Updated:01/12/2022