Branchial Cleft Cyst Overview
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.
Lehigh Valley Physician Group
Sri Chennupati is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist and a Pediatrics provider in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Chennupati is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Branchial Cleft Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Gorlin-Chaudhry-Moss Syndrome, Crouzon Syndrome, Acrofrontofacionasal Dysostosis Syndrome, Stridor, and Adenoidectomy.
Bumc Otolaryngologic Foundation Inc
Jacob Noordzij is an Otolaryngologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Noordzij is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Branchial Cleft Cyst. His top areas of expertise are Spasmodic Dysphonia, Laryngitis, Swallowing Difficulty, Thyroidectomy, and Parathyroidectomy. Dr. Noordzij 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.