These cysts originate in the embryo but do not manifest
until the teens to thirties.
They occur in the groove from the ear to the clavicle, often
having a stalk beginning in the throat at the level of the tonsil.
Cysts of this type present with a slowly enlarging mass
which usually non-tender. If it becomes infected, sudden changes occur and pain, redness
and fever are common.
I and D may be necessary, but if antibiotics
can settle it down it may be best to wait a short time to remove it.
Branchial cleft cysts and sinuses need to be surgically removed prior to
infection, in order to best preserve facial nerve function and limit
complications.
|