How is a branchial cleft cyst removed?

Surgical excision is definitive treatment for branchial cleft cysts. A series of horizontal incisions, known as a stairstep or stepladder incision, is made to fully dissect out the occasionally tortuous path of the branchial cleft cysts.

Is branchial cyst compressible?

The mass is compressible and exhibits posterior wall enhancement. In the presence of infections or abscesses, the content of the cyst may become inhomogeneous with a corpuscular appearance [4].

How is a branchial cyst treated?

Infected branchial cleft cysts or sinuses require antibiotic treatment. If there are persistent problems with drainage or infection, these cysts should be surgically removed. Most branchial cleft remnants require no treatment. If surgery is required, results are usually good.

How is a neck cyst removed?

An incision is made over the cyst, with excision of any skin opening that may be present. The cyst and its deep tract are then dissected out and the incision closed. Sometimes one or two additional “stepladder” incisions are needed higher in the neck to follow and remove the deep tract.

Can an ENT remove a cyst?

During the procedure, the ENT surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the skin over the cyst, remove the cyst, then close the incision. In sensitive areas, such as the face or brow, we can often hide the incision in the hairline or eyebrow.

Does branchial cyst move with swallowing?

Differential diagnosis Thyroglossal duct cysts present as a midline neck mass at or below the level of the hyoid bone, and it moves with swallowing.

Is a branchial cleft cyst a lymph node?

The term “branchial cleft cyst” refers to the lesions which can be considered synonymous with the cervical lymphoepithelial cyst. BCC, although relatively rare, is the second major cause of head and neck pathology in childhood.

What is inside a branchial cyst?

Branchial cleft cysts are lined with stratified squamous epithelium and may contain keratinous debris inside the cyst. In some cases, the cyst wall is lined by ciliated columnar epithelium resulting in more mucoid contents. Lymphoid tissue is typically present surrounding the epithelial lining.