Branchial cyst Flashcards
What is a branchial cyst?
Benign, developmental defect of the branchial arches.
What does a branchial cyst consist of?
A cyst is filled with acellular fluid with cholesterol crystals and encapsulated by stratified squamous epithelium
What is in the acellular fluid of the branchial cyst?
Cholesterol crystals
What can branchial cysts have that make them prone to infection?
A fistula
What can cause the enlargement of a branchial cyst?
Following a respiratory tract infection
When do branchial cysts typically tend to first present?
Late childhood or early adulthood
How do branchial cysts typically first present?
As an asymptomatic neck lump
Where on the neck is a branchial cyst located?
Lateral
Anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
How do branchial cysts present?
slowly enlarging
smooth, soft, fluctuant
non-tender
a fistula may be seen
no movement on swallowing
no transillumination
What can be seen when looking at a branchial cyst?
A fistula
Are branchial cysts tender to touch?
No
What do branchial cysts not do?
Move on swallowing
Transillumination
On which side of the neck do branchial cysts usually occur?
On the left side
Anterior to sternocleidomastoid
Lateral
What must be excluded when someone presents with a branchial cyst?
-Other malignancy
What imaging might you consider carrying out in someone with a branchial cyst?
- ultrasound
