Abstract
Cystic lesions within the parotid gland are uncommon and clinically they are frequently misdiagnosed as tumours. Many theories have been proposed as to their embryological origin. A 20-year retrospective review was undertaken of all pathological codes (SNOMED) of all of patients presenting with any parotid lesions requiring surgery. After analysis seven subjects were found to have histopathologically proven parotid branchial cysts in the absence of HIV infection and those patients are the aim of this review. Four of the most common embryological theories are also discussed with regard to these cases, as are their management.
Highlights
Hunczowski described the first branchial cyst in 1789 [1]; the first surgical treatment of a branchial cyst was reported by Langenbeck in 1859 [2]
The first branchial cyst of the parotid gland was described by Hildebrandt in 1895 [3]
Once the diagnosis of a branchial cyst is established, HIV testing is recommended, as it can be the first presentation of HIV infection [13].The incidence of branchial cysts is about 3-6 % in HIVpositive adults and 1-10 % in HIV-positive children [14,15]
Summary
Hunczowski described the first branchial cyst in 1789 [1]; the first surgical treatment of a branchial cyst was reported by Langenbeck in 1859 [2]. Once the diagnosis of a branchial cyst is established, HIV testing is recommended, as it can be the first presentation of HIV infection [13].The incidence of branchial cysts is about 3-6 % in HIVpositive adults and 1-10 % in HIV-positive children [14,15]. They appear to be most common during the early phases of HIV infection [16]
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