Unusual Development of Second Branchial Cleft Cyst in an Adult after URTI: Diagnosis and Detailed Approach

Abstract

Branchial cleft cyst is a congenital anomaly benign in nature. It usually appears in the lateral aspect of the neck and typically presents as a unilateral fluctuant mass. We present here a 30 years old adult who is previously healthy complaining of five years history of a left lateral neck swelling following an upper respiratory tract infection. Multiple aspirations were done but all resulted in recurrence of condition. Investigations have been done and a CT neck performed which showed a complicated second branchial cleft cyst. The definite treatment for branchial cleft cysts is surgery. He underwent surgical excision of the cyst with minimal scarring. This case is important due to the limited literature done in adults with branchial cleft cysts, in addition to highlighting the correct sequence of management when detecting a lateral cervical swelling.