Diagnostic spectrum of cysts of head and neck: Case series and review of literature

Abstract

One of the foremost problems that brings patients to Otorhinolaryngology clinics are cystic swellings in the head and neck region. We aimed to study the presentation, configuration of cystic swellings of head and neck for diagnosis and management. A retrospective study of 30 patients belonging to diverse age group and presenting with complaints of swelling in the craniofacial domain to the otorhinolaryngology outpatient department was conducted. Based on the characterization of cystic swellings of head and neck, most turned out to be usually benign. The most common cyst was epidermoid cyst (56%), followed by second arch branchial cyst (26%). A single case each of nasopalatine cyst and intra-parotid lymphatic cyst was also reported. Swellings in the head and neck can have various presentations. Cytologic examination of head and neck cysts along with pre-operative clinical examination and imaging offer imperative information concerning the nature of the cystic lesions, and may rarely lead to any misdiagnosis.