What is a branchial arch cyst?
What is a branchial arch cyst?
What is a branchial cleft cyst? Also, known as a cleft sinus, a branchial cleft cyst is a lump that develops in the neck or just below the collarbone. Branchial cleft cysts form during development of the embryo. They occur when tissues in the neck and collarbone area (branchial cleft) fail to develop normally.
Which branchial arch rises to branchial cyst?
Branchial cleft cysts develop early during gestation. During week 4 of embryonic development, four branchial (pharyngeal) clefts form five ridges. These ridges contribute to the formation of portions of the head, neck, and thorax. These mesodermal ridges form the 6 branchial (pharyngeal) arches.
Is branchial cleft cyst painful?
Some branchial cleft cysts go unnoticed until your child develops an upper respiratory infection, like the common cold. Unless the cyst is infected, it is usually not painful.
Is branchial cyst congenital?
Branchial cleft cysts and sinus tracts are congenital anomalies, meaning they result from an unexpected change in the womb before birth. Although most commonly unilateral (occurring on one side of the neck), they can be bilateral (both sides of the neck).
What are third and fourth branchial cleft cysts?
Fourth branchial cleft cysts are rare. They most often appear on the lower left side of the neck. They are often misdiagnosed or unnoticed in children. Sometimes, third and fourth branchial cleft do not have sinus tracts. This means there is no external opening for fluids to exit the body.
What are 3rd and 4th branchial anomalies?
Sometimes third and fourth branchial anomalies can have only an internal opening with no external opening. In such circumstances, they can present as recurrent neck infections in the region of the thyroid gland. What are the causes?
What are branchial cleft cysts and sinus tracts?
Branchial cleft cysts and sinus tracts are congenital anomalies, meaning they result from an unexpected change in the womb before birth. Although most commonly unilateral (occurring on one side of the neck), they can be bilateral (both sides of the neck). When bilateral, they can be associated with other congenital anomalies.
Where is the sinus opening in brachial cleft 2?
In type 2, the opening to the sinus tract is lower on the upper neck above the hyoid bone (a U-shaped bone between the lower jaw and voice box). Sometimes, children with this type of brachial cleft cyst may also have an internal opening to the sinus tract in the ear canal.
