Branchial Cleft CystSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Branchial Cleft Cyst
A branchial cleft cyst is a birth defect. It is caused when fluid fills a space, or sinus, left in the neck when a baby develops in the womb. After the baby is born, it appears as a lump in the neck or just below the jawbone.
Cleft sinus
Branchial cleft cysts form during development of the embryo. They occur when tissues in the neck area (branchial cleft) fail to develop normally.
The birth defect may appear as open spaces called cleft sinuses, which may develop on one or both sides of the neck. A branchial cleft cyst may form due to fluid in a sinus. The cyst or sinus can become infected.
The cysts are most often seen in children. In some cases, they are not seen until adulthood.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Small pits, lumps, or skin tags at either side of the neck or just below the jawbone
- Fluid drainage from a pit on the neck
- Noisy breathing (if the cyst is large enough to block part of the airway)
Antibiotics will be given if the cyst or sinuses are infected.
Surgery is generally needed to remove a branchial cleft cyst in order to prevent complications such as infections. If there is an infection when the cyst is found, surgery will likely be done after the infection has been treated with antibiotics. If there have been several infections before the cyst is found, it may be harder to remove.
St. Christopher's Pediatric Associates Plastic Surgery - E. Erie Avenue
Christine Jones is a Plastic Surgeon practicing medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Jones is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Branchial Cleft Cyst. She is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Microtia, Branchial Cleft Cyst, Autosomal Cleft Palate, Breast Enlargement In Males, and Fasciotomy. Dr. Jones is board certified in American Board Of Plastic Surgery.
Department Of Otolaryngology
David Myssiorek is an Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Bronx, New York. Dr. Myssiorek is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Branchial Cleft Cyst. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Branchial Cleft Cyst, Familial Deafness, Tinnitus, Thyroidectomy, and Laryngectomy.
Meadowview Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists
David Osterhus is an Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Kingsport, Tennessee. Dr. Osterhus is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Branchial Cleft Cyst. He is also highly rated in 27 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, Follicular Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Laryngectomy, and Septoplasty. Dr. Osterhus is board certified in American Board Of Otolaryngology.
Surgery is usually successful, with good results.
The cyst or sinuses may become infected if not removed. Repeated infections may make surgical removal more difficult.
Contact your child's provider for an appointment if you notice a small pit, cleft, or lump in your child's neck or upper shoulder, especially if fluid drains from this area.
Published Date: October 03, 2025
Published By: Mary Terrell, MD, NABBLM-C, IBCLC, Neonatologist, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Altay MA, Baur DA. Management of branchial cleft cysts, sinuses, and fistulae. In: Tiwana PS, Kademani D, eds. Atlas of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 105.
Thatcher AL. Congenital and inflammatory neck masses in children. In: Lesperance MM, ed. Cummings Pediatric Otolaryngology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.