What is Second branchial cleft?
Second branchial cleft cysts are benign developmental cysts thought to arise from congenital remnants of the second branchial arch. Other branchial anomalies exist but are much less common than second cleft anomalies which represent >95 % of all branchial cleft anomalies [1, 2].
What is branchial cleft anomaly?
Branchial cleft cysts (also called branchial cleft remnants or branchial cleft anomalies) are a congenital condition (condition present at birth) in which tissue develops incorrectly on one or both sides of the neck. Branchial cleft cysts sometimes have openings on the inside or outside of the skin called sinus tracts.
Can you have two branchial cleft cysts?
People often notice second branchial cleft cysts when they develop upper respiratory infections. You can have second branchial cleft cysts on both sides of your neck. These cysts are rare. They’re usually found under your skin on the left side of your neck or at the bottom of your neck near your collarbone.
What causes branchial cleft?
They occur when tissues in the neck and collarbone area (branchial cleft) fail to develop normally. The birth defect may appear as open spaces called cleft sinuses, which may develop on one or both sides of the neck. A branchial cleft cyst may form from fluid drained from a sinus. The cyst or sinus can become infected.
How is a branchial cleft cyst treated?
Infected branchial cleft cysts or sinuses require antibiotic treatment. If there are persistent problems with drainage or infection, these cysts should be surgically removed. Most branchial cleft remnants require no treatment. If surgery is required, results are usually good.
How common is branchial cleft cyst?
The exact incidence of branchial cleft cysts in the US population is unknown. Branchial cleft cysts are the most common congenital cause of a neck mass. An estimated 2-3% of cases are bilateral. A tendency exists for cases to cluster in families.
Are branchial cleft cysts genetic?
Inheritance. BOR/BO syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. In about 90 percent of cases, an affected person inherits the mutation from one affected parent .