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.
Bronxcare Health System
David Myssiorek is an Otolaryngologist in Bronx, New York. Dr. Myssiorek is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Branchial Cleft Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Branchial Cleft Cyst, Familial Deafness, Tinnitus, Thyroidectomy, and Laryngectomy.
Proliance Surgeons
Jonathan Kopelovich, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist, who cares for problems that affect the head, neck, ear, nose and throat. He has additional board-certification and fellowship training in complex pediatric otolaryngology and has extensive experience in airway, craniofacial and ear surgery for children. Dr. Kopelovich believes in a collaborative and holistic approach to caring for every child.Raised on the gulf coast of Florida, Dr. Kopelovich pursued higher education in Philadelphia. He graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, then attended Jefferson Medical College and spent an additional year at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia devoted to cochlear implant research in children.Inspired by these experiences, Dr. Kopelovich completed otolaryngology residency and a neurobiology research fellowship at the University of Iowa, followed by a fellowship year in pediatric ENT at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. While training, he focused on diseases affecting breathing, sleep, facial development and hearing. In addition to a stellar publication record, Dr. Kopelovich is passionate about decreasing the environmental impact of medicine. Since starting in practice with Bellevue Ear Nose and Throat, Dr. Kopelovich has organized and led multiple interdisciplinary provider groups in King County to help coordinate care for children with complicated head and neck issues. Additionally, he serves as the pediatric otolaryngology consultant for four neonatal ICUs.Dr. Kopelovich lives on Mercer Island with his wife, Rachel, a Seattle native and acupuncturist, and their three children. He enjoys hiking and skiing with his family in the Cascades and is an avid fan of all elements of hip hop culture. Dr. Kopelovich is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Branchial Cleft Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Hearing Loss, Enlarged Adenoids, Stridor, and Low Nasal Bridge.
Duke Cancer Center
Russel Kahmke is an Otolaryngologist and a Surgical Oncologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Kahmke is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Branchial Cleft Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Laryngeal Cancer, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Throat Cancer, Laryngectomy, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Kahmke is currently accepting new patients.
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 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: December 31, 2023
Published By: Mary J. Terrell, MD, 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.