Branchial cleft cyst: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

First branchial cleft anomaly is a rare disease of the head and neck. Because of its rarity, first branchial cleft anomaly is often misdiagnosed and results in inappropriate management. In this article, we present a case of type II first branchial cleft anomaly. A middle-aged woman who had suffered from swelling on lower jaw visited our department with the chief complaint of a swelling. She underwent complete excision of the lesion with preservation of the facial nerve. The patient recovered well and had no recurrence at 1-year of follow up.

Keywords: Branchial cleft cyst; cervical lymphoepithelial cyst; first branchial anomaly.

Figure 1

Clinical image showing swelling in the neck

Figure 2

Gross specimen of the excised lesion

Figure 3

Photomicrograph showing cystic lesion lined by stratified squamous epithelium. (H&E stain, ×40)

Figure 4

Photomicrograph showing cystic cavity lined by thin stratified squamous epithelium with the underlying connective tissue showing abundant lymphoid tissue aggregate (H&E stain, ×40)

Figure 5

Photomicrograph showing the germinal center within the lymphoid aggregate (H&E stain, ×100)

Figure 6

Photomicrograph showing cystic lumen lined by thin stratified squamous epithelium with flat rete ridges and underlying connective tissue showing abundant lymphoid tissue aggregate (H&E stain, ×100).