Do branchial cleft cyst need to be removed?
The treatment for branchial cleft cysts and sinus tracts is surgical removal. There is no known medical therapy with the exception that infected branchial cleft cysts and sinus tracts do require initial antibiotic treatment. The infection should be resolved before surgery is performed.
Is a branchial cyst cancerous?
Most branchial cleft cysts are benign; however, a modicum of specimens harbors metastatic components. In a small retrospective study, three of 28 branchial cleft cysts observed over eight years at a single institution contained metastatic tissue; 66% were PTC and 33% were tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma [5].
Is a branchial cleft cyst rare?
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.
How long does branchial cleft cyst surgery take?
Surgery typically takes 1.5 hours. After surgery you will be monitored in the recovery area and then go home. For a branchial cleft cyst, an incision is made in the neck in a neck crease. The exact location and size of the incision varies based on the size and position of the cyst.
Can a branchial cleft cyst return?
Although rare, there have been reports of malignancies in branchial cleft cysts, including papillary thyroid carcinoma and branchiogenic carcinoma. The outcome of surgery is usually good. But, cysts can recur, particularly if the surgery occurred during an active infection.
Can you have multiple branchial cleft cysts?
Fourth branchial cleft cysts are rare. They most often appear on the lower left side of the neck. They are often misdiagnosed or unnoticed in children. Sometimes, third and fourth branchial cleft do not have sinus tracts.
How many people have a branchial cleft cyst?
The exact incidence of branchial cleft cysts in the US population is unknown. Branchial cleft cysts are the most common congenital cause of a neck mass. An estimated 2-3% of cases are bilateral.
Who treats branchial cleft cyst?
The treatment of branchial cleft cysts and sinus tracts requires an operation performed by a surgeon trained in head and neck surgery.
Is branchial cyst surgery painful?
Most patients usually leave the hospital the day of or the day after surgery. After any surgery, some pain is normal, but if it does not decrease or worsens, it may be abnormal and indicate infection or bleeding. Bleeding and infection are possible, as with any surgery.