Branchial cleft cysts
Branchial (bran·chi·al) cleft cysts are congenital and occur in the neck area, usually just under the jaw, on either side of the neck, and develop before the baby is born. These types of cysts can be lumps, but they also can also look like pits or open spaces.
What are branchial cleft cysts?
The cysts usually dent or compress when pressed but do not cause pain in the baby. Doctors or parents can sometimes see some fluid, or drainage, coming out from any indentations near where the sinuses are. Branchial cysts may get infected and inflamed which will cause redness, pain.
How are branchial cleft cysts diagnosed?
Ultrasound - Branchial cysts are commonly diagnosed based on history and physical exams alone and rarely with the use of ultrasound evaluation.
How are branchial cleft cysts treated?
Surgery is recommended for all branchial cleft cysts. This involves resection of the cyst along with the tract which travels underneath the skin. Surgical excision is a definitive treatment with excellent outcomes.
Branchial cleft cysts doctors and providers
- Adam Alder, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Nathalie Brewer, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Natasha Corbitt, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Diana Diesen, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Lauren Gillory, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Stephen Megison, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Joseph Murphy, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Samir Pandya, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Faisal Qureshi, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Mark Ryan, MDPediatric Surgeon
- Christopher Liu, MDPediatric Otolaryngologist (ENT)