Branchial cleft cyst: What really matters?: Case report

Introduction: Branchial cleft anomalies are considered to develop from the branchial apparatus that did not completely obliterate during the embryogenesis of the head and neck. These anomalies pose a significant challenge in terms of surgical management, particularly followed by misdiagnosis due to its rarity. The aim of this case report was to present the review of literature and treatment of a rare anomaly such as a second branchial cleft cyst with a particular focus on clinical as well as histopathological aspects. Case report: A 24-year-old woman was admitted to the otolaryngology department with a three-month history of painless right-sided neck swelling, following a previously resolved upper respiratory infection. The patient underwent complete excision of the cystic mass, with excellent cosmetic results and no signs of recurrence after a one-year follow-up. Conclusion: Therefore, surgery should always be the gold standard of treatment. In patients aged over 40 years, cystic metastasis from the occult head and neck primary carcinoma must be considered.