Branchial (bran·chi·al) cleft cysts are congenital and occur in the neck area, usually just under the jaw, on either side of the neck, and develop before the baby is born. These types of cysts can be lumps, but they also can also look like pits or open spaces.
Overview
What are branchial cleft cysts?
The cysts usually dent or compress when pressed but do not cause pain in the baby. Doctors or parents can sometimes see some fluid, or drainage, coming out from any indentations near where the sinuses are. Branchial cysts may get infected and inflamed which will cause redness, pain.
Diagnosis
How are branchial cleft cysts diagnosed?
Ultrasound - Branchial cysts are commonly diagnosed based on history and physical exams alone and rarely with the use of ultrasound evaluation.
Treatment
How are branchial cleft cysts treated?
Surgery is recommended for all branchial cleft cysts. This involves resection of the cyst along with the tract which travels underneath the skin. Surgical excision is a definitive treatment with excellent outcomes.
Doctors and Providers
- Adam Craig AlderPediatric Surgeon
- Nathalie BrewerPediatric Surgeon
- Natasha Marie CorbittPediatric Surgeon
- Diana Leigh DiesenPediatric Surgeon
- Barbara Anne GainesPediatric Surgeon
- Lauren Ann GilloryPediatric Surgeon
- Russell HawkinsPediatric Surgeon
- Charles Robert HongPediatric Surgeon
- Stephen Mark MegisonPediatric Surgeon
- Carrie Colleen Buchanan MoorePediatric Surgeon
- Joseph Thomas MurphyPediatric Surgeon
- Samir R PandyaPediatric Surgeon
- Laura Nanka PurcellPediatric Surgeon
- Faisal Ghulam QureshiPediatric Surgeon
- Christopher Cheng Yu LiuPediatric Otolaryngologist (ENT)